For the past few years, the UFC's lightweight division has been the most talent-rich weight class, loaded with elite fighters in the top-15. That also makes it one of the most difficult divisions to rank.
Choosing just five fighters to make BookMaker's cut is not an easy task, but we've got our list, along with odds, for your betting pleasure.
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Please note, the odds listed here may have changed, as BookMaker updates their lines on a daily basis.
Champion: Rafael dos Anjos
Next Fight: TBA
When Rafael dos Anjos first entered the UFC 2008, he was merely just a very good jiu-jitsu player. Now, he's a killer in all aspects of the game. It took absolute destructions of elite fighters like Benson Henderson, Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone for us to realize that, but we see you now, RDA.
2. Anthony Pettis
Next Fight: UFC Fight Night 81
Anthony Pettis - 300 vs. Eddie Alvarez +240
Count me among the many who thought that Pettis was set to reign as the 155-pound champion for a while. But after suffering a five-round beatdown at the hands of dos Anjos, Pettis is going to have to earn another shot at the title. The electric athleticism and dazzling offense is still there, and any fight with Pettis is can't-miss television.
3. Donald Cerrone
Next Fight: TBA
Cowboy's eight-fight winning streak was snapped in brutal fashion by Rafael dos Anjos in his first-ever title shot. Now having lost twice to RDA, it's tough to see Cerrone getting another challenge as long as the Brazilian remains champ. Still, we cannot ignore how an 8-1 record since 2013 against some of the best in the division.
4. Tony Ferguson
Next Fight: TBA
“El Cucuy” stretched his winning streak to seven with a thrilling win over Edson Barboza just a few weeks ago at the TUF 22 Finale. He's quietly become one of the most entertaining fighters at 155, with an unpredictable style that would give anyone fits.
5. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Next Fight: TBA
The Dagestani fighter hasn't fought in nearly two years, but is finally planning to return in March. He's the last man to have beaten Rafael dos Anjos, and even on the sidelines casts a large shadow as a threatening opponent to any lightweight. Let's hope he comes back healthy.
Fighters to watch:
Conor McGregor
Eddie Alvarez
Beneil Dariush
Nate Diaz
Although Conor McGregor hasn't yet fought at lightweight, the UFC would allow him to challenge for the title right away if he wants. Even at 155, McGregor's power and size makes him a factor right away.
Eddie Alvarez, while a world-class lightweight, doesn't seem like he's championship-worthy, but beating Pettis would change that narrative quickly. Nate Diaz announced his return by beating a quality fighter in Michael Johnson, and a needle-mover like Diaz needs to be watched closely.
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