- Islam Makhachev is the best UFC fighter right now.
- He’s the reigning undisputed UFC lightweight champion.
- Makhachev holds a professional MMA record of 25 wins and one loss.
Being known as the best UFC fighter is quite an achievement today because of the wealth of top-tier champions and fighters who are vying for that status. These athletes have won multiple fights and are often UFC odds favourites when they step into the Octagon.
But among the superstars in the Las Vegas-based promotion, which is the leading MMA organization in the world, who is considered the best fighter right now? Did he win a title and how did he achieve this status?
Who Is the Best in the UFC Right Now?
The best UFC fighter right now is reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, not only because he is ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter but also because of what he did in the stacked 155-pound division.
Islam Makhachev is now ranked as the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighter following the latest rankings update pic.twitter.com/Na2N3kPvUH
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 7, 2023
He has won 14 of his 15 UFC fights since making his debut in May 2015, beating the likes of Gleison Tibau, Chris Wade, Drew Dober, Arman Tsarukyan, Thiago Moisés, Dan Hooker, and Bobby Green.
Makhachev currently has one of the longest winning streaks in UFC history, dating back to September 2016. His three latest wins were title fights after beating former champion Charles Oliveira and defending the belt against UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice.
Who Is the Richest UFC Fighter?
Conor McGregor is the richest UFC fighter, with over $200 million in net worth. He was the first two-division UFC champion after securing the featherweight and lightweight titles. His total career earnings were estimated to be over $40 million.
McGregor’s boxing fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in August 2017 and the money he got from selling his whiskey brand in 2021 have boosted his net worth. He was known for his trash-talking, which he backed up during fights.
What Does MMA Stand For?
MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts, and the sport welcomes different disciplines and techniques. A fighter can use their striking or grappling background during an MMA match to beat their opponent via TKO/KO stoppage or submission finish.
What Does UFC Stand For?
UFC stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship, which was founded in 1993. It is today’s leading mixed martial arts promotion and houses the best professional MMA fighters with over 200 athletes.