The lightweight division in mixed martial arts has always been the most talent-rich in the sport. There are literally hundreds of well-known world-class fighters competing at 155 pounds, and the weight class has been home to some of the greatest fights in the sport’s history.
The division was so filled with talent that at one point it resembled Game of Thrones in the multiple champions with claims to the title of best lightweight on the planet. Eddie Alvarez was wrecking shop in Bellator. Gilbert Melendez was a dominant champion in Strikeforce, and until the two competed in the Octagon against the UFC champion, we would never know who really was the best.
Fast forward a few years, and Melendez has had two UFC title shots, and Eddie Alvarez has been freed of his legal shackles due to a regime change at Bellator. The two are set to square off this weekend at UFC 188.
This is a dream fight for longtime MMA fans. With the former Strikeforce lightweight champ set to battle the former Bellator champion, now is a great time to take a look at the greatest lightweights in the history of the sport.
What we will be looking at to discern the best fighters of all time at lightweight are things like title fights and defenses, strength of schedule, and dominant performances against high-level competition. In other words, who have they fought and how did they beat them? A lot of fighters have competed in multiple weight divisions, but their work at 155 pounds is what we will put under the microscope.
Now, let us look at the 10 best lightweights in MMA history.