Crypto analyst Lark Davis recently sparked debate by weighing in on the long-standing rivalry between Chainlink (LINK) and XRP. During an interview on Rollup TV, Davis labeled Chainlink as "infinitely better" than XRP, predicting it will be the superior long-term performer over the next ten years.
While Davis praised the "XRP Army" for their unparalleled loyalty and passion, his preference for Chainlink is rooted in technical utility rather than community hype.
The Bull Case for Chainlink: Infrastructure First
Davis’s conviction in Chainlink stems from its role as a foundational layer for the entire crypto industry. He highlighted several key factors:
- Cross-Chain Utility: He identified the Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) as a game-changing technology that allows different blockchains and traditional financial systems to communicate securely.
- Neutral Plumbing: Unlike assets tied to a specific ecosystem, Davis views LINK as "neutral plumbing" that services the entire market.
- Value Accrual: Recent moves toward token buybacks and an expanding list of institutional partnerships provide a clearer economic incentive for long-term holders.
The Critique of XRP: A Closed Ecosystem?
Davis was notably more skeptical regarding XRP's long-term trajectory, citing concerns over its network health and leadership:
- Limited Engagement: He characterized XRP as a "closed-loop" system, questioning the level of organic on-chain activity and daily usage after a decade in existence.
- Alignment of Interests: Davis contrasted Chainlink’s Sergey Nazarov, who focuses on decentralization, with Ripple’s leadership. He expressed concern over Ripple’s history of selling XRP, suggesting it may create a disconnect between the company's success and the token holders' interests.
- The Silver Lining: Davis did concede that if Ripple’s executives successfully execute their vision for institutional payments, the asset could still see significant growth.
Summary of the Debate
The consensus among many observers is that the two assets serve fundamentally different purposes: XRP is built to move value, while Chainlink is built to move data.
While Davis firmly chooses the data-driven infrastructure of Chainlink, the broader market remains divided. Some argue that both can coexist and succeed because they are not direct competitors, but rather different tools designed for different jobs in the evolving financial landscape.
December 2025, Cryptoniteuae