5 best strikers in the UFC lightweight division right now
UFC 274 reinforced the notion that the lightweight division is arguably the most exciting division in the promotion.
While Charles Oliveira stunned the crowd by submitting gaethje" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Justin Gaethje in the first round, Michael Chandler produced a stellar knockout against Tony Ferguson that could well be a Knockout of the Year contender.
The 155 lb division has always attracted people in large numbers. The division, featuring the likes of Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, has amassed huge numbers in pay-per-view buys for the promotion.
The prime reason behind this feat is the presence of a pool of exciting fighters and the competition among them. While some are exceptional submission artists, others are proficient at knocking their opponents out with a barrage of strikes.
In this article, we will take a look at the five best active strikers in the UFC lightweight division.
#5. Charles Oliveira - former UFC lightweight champion
BJJ has always been the highlight of Charles Oliveira's fighting style. Currently on a 11-fight win streak in the UFC, 'Do Bronx' leads the charts for the most wins by submissions in the history of the promotion (16). Additionally, he also holds the record for most finishes inside the octagon (18).
However, in recent times he has added the one skill that was arguably missing from his arsenal - striking. While Oliveira has knocked out his opponents in the past, he wasn't as fluid at throwing strikes as he is now.
Although he isn't the most formidable striker, 'Do Bronx' has knocked down the likes of Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje in recent times. Oliveira was heavily pounded by Chandler in the opening round of their title clash in 2021. But in the second round, 'Do Bronx' stunned everyone with a strong left hand on 'Iron' to register the third knockout win of his UFC career.
Charles Oliveira survives early onslaught, finishes Michael Chandler by knockout to win lightweight title in UFC 262 main event (@DamonMartin) mmafighting.com/2021/5/16/2243… https://t.co/GaSDaG5cIO
He was just as good against Justin Gaethje in his last fight. Regarded as one of the most powerful strikers in the 155 lbs division, Gaethje was expected to have the edge over Oliveira in the striking department. However, the Brazilian proved everyone wrong by outstriking 'The Highlight' 30-21 in significant strikes on target and even knocking him down at one point.