Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings - Lightweight

Image: John Brannigan/Sherdog.com illustrationLightweight1. IslamMakhachev (26-1) | UFC [1]It was far from an easy night at the office for Makhachev at UFC302, but the reigning lightweight champion weathered a spiritedtest from Dustin Poirier, ultimately submitting his opponent with abrabo choke in the fifth round of their encounter at the PrudentialCenter in Newark, New Jersey on June 1. Makhachev’s winning streakcurrently sits at 14, the third-longest in UFC history. Whileanother lightweight title defense looms in the form of a rematchagainst top contender Arman Tsarukyan, the Dagestani standout hasrepeatedly expressed interest in a two-division championship bid at170 pounds.2. ArmanTsarukyan (22-3) UFC [2]Tsarukyan relied on a strong top game and submission defense toearn a split-decision triumph over ex-lightweight champ CharlesOliveira at UFC 300. The American Top Team product has won fourstraight and nine of his last 10 UFC appearances overall,potentially setting the stage for a...