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

• Just when it looked like Rafael dos Anjos would get some respect after demolishing Donald Cerrone, an even greater threat has presented itself: "The Notorious" Conor McGregor. In an unprecedented move, the UFC will allow McGregor to keep his own featherweight belt and challenge Dos Anjos for the lightweight belt at UFC 196. A successful defense for Dos Anjos will make his status as one of the top fighters at any weight class undeniable.
• It hasn't been pretty, but Eddie Alvarez has scraped and clawed his way to the top of the heap. Since losing his UFC debut to Cerrone, Alvarez has taken narrow decisions from Gilbert Melendez and Anthony Pettis. Even without the big finishes the UFC brass like to see before granting someone a title shot, those wins are too valuable to ignore.
• If it seems strange that Khabib Nurmagomedov is no longer in the rankings, keep in mind he hasn't fought since April 2014. Thankfully, he has a chance to reclaim his spot as the true No. 1 contender with a win over Tony Ferguson at UFC on FOX 19 in April. Stay healthy, Nurmy.
• Happy trails (for now) to former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson. Though he most recently competed at welterweight, Henderson was a staple of the lightweight top 10 for the past five years. He kicked off the month of February by signing with Bellator MMA. His first fight for them will be at 170 against champion Andrey Koreshkov.