MMA Fighter Rankings: Lightweight

On the first Wednesday of every month, theScore's MMA editors compile a list of the top 10 fighters in each of the major weight classes.

Rankings
Heavyweight | Light Heavyweight 
Middleweight | Welterweight
Lightweight | Featherweight
Bantamweight | Flyweight
Women: Bantamweight | Strawweight

Lightweight

• The Anthony Pettis era was short-lived, and brilliantly destroyed. Pettis, who many thought would be the first dominant champion in lightweight history, was absolutely mauled by Rafael dos Anjos over five rounds at UFC 185. Dos Anjos busted Pettis' orbital bone early in the first round and proceeded to demolish "Showtime" for 25 straight minutes.
• The last man to defeat dos Anjos, Dagestani buzzsaw Khabib Nurmagomedov, is set to return from a long layoff against Donald Cerrone at UFC 187 in May. The winner will get the first crack at dos Anjos' newly earned title.
• Gilbert Melendez, who had his title aspirations dashed by Pettis at UFC 181, will look to re-inject himself back into the title picture with a victory over former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188 in Mexico City.
• Undisputed Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks earned the undisputed distinction when he TKO'd former division kingpin Michael Chandler at Bellator 131 in November. The 26-year-old American Top Team product is set to officially defend his title for the first time on April 10 against Dave Jansen.