- Islam Makhachev is the reigning undisputed UFC lightweight champion.
- Makhachev is the favourite to remain the champion of the division at the end of 2024 with -330 odds.
- Other lightweight contenders with the biggest odds of being champion at the end of the year are Arman Tsarukyan, Dustin Poirier, Mateusz Gamrot, and Michael Chandler.
Islam Makhachev currently rules the UFC lightweight division. He won the title in October 2022 when he submitted Charles Oliveira in the second round of their championship showdown. Since then, he has successfully defended it twice to maintain his status as the best 155-pounder in the world.
ISLAM MAKHACHEV JUST KNOCKED OUT ALEX VOLKANOVSKI 😱😱 #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/g4bsINLcKM
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
Because of his well-rounded combat sports skills, Makhachev remains the favourite in MMA odds to be the champion in the division at the end of the year with -330 odds. But who are the biggest threats to his throne, according to oddsmakers?
See the latest MMA odds for the 2023 UFC lightweight champion predictor as of April 30.
UFC Lightweight Champion Predictor on Dec. 31, 2024
| Fighter | Current Odds |
|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | -330 |
| Arman Tsarukyan | +175 |
| Dustin Poirier | +300 |
| Mateusz Gamrot | +2000 |
| Michael Chandler | +4000 |
| Conor McGregor | +4000 |
| Benoît Saint Denis | +5000 |
| Charles Oliveira | +7500 |
| Renato Moicano | +8000 |
| Justin Gaethje | +10000 |
Who Is Favoured to Be the UFC Lightweight Champion at the End of 2024?
Makhachev is the considerable favourite to remain the UFC lightweight champion, with -330 odds. He is followed by the No. 1-ranked divisional contender Arman Tsarukyan, with +175, while the rest of the top include Dustin Poirier (+300), Mateusz Gamrot (+2000), and Micheal Chandler (+4000).
Who Had the Longest Reign in the UFC Lightweight Division?
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the long-time teammate and friend of Makhachev, is the longest reigning UFC lightweight champion in history with two years and six months. However, Makhachev could break Nurmagomedov’s record if he remains the champion until next year.
“The Eagle” prematurely retired from the UFC in 2020 following the death of his father and head coach, Abdul Manap Nurmagomedov, citing that he won’t compete without him in his corner. He retired with a perfect 29-0 record with 19 finishes.