The lightweight scene is certainly an engaging one in the world of UFC at present, with a number of established stars all claiming that they should be the rightful champion. There have been some massive bouts in the lightweight division over the past couple of years, but there is a sense that the UFC needs a new star to carry the division in this post-Khabib era.
It looks increasingly unlikely that the Russian will be returning to the octagon at any point in the near future, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some exciting contests that could be set up.
UFC News: Poirier Claims He Is ‘Uncrowned’ World Champion
There are a lot of realistic fighters that could currently claim that they are the number one lightweight in the world. However, Dustin Poirier’s statement holds up more than most. The American recently beat Conor McGregor, and inflicted the first ever knockout defeat onto the Irishman in the process. Poirier has never looked better than he does at present, and that has led him to believe that he is the ‘uncrowned’ number one.
The American has recently claimed that he should be involved in the next lightweight title bout, and his opponent should be decided in a bout between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira. There certainly wouldn’t be many UFC fans that would be against that idea, as Chandler particularly impressed during his first UFC bout on the undercard of Poirier’s victory over McGregor. However, there could be a couple of fighters that scupper those plans, with McGregor and Nate Diaz also likely to throw their hat in the ring.
UFC News: Chandler vs Oliveira Would Sell
There’s no denying that Chandler against Oliveira would be a fight that MMA fans would enjoy seeing, and both fighters would likely agree to the fight as a win for either would set up a huge fight with Poirier further down the line. Chandler’s UFC career got off to a perfect start at UFC 257, as he knocked out Dan Hooker in the first round of their contest. He immediately set his sights on the lightweight championship after that victory, as he called out McGregor.
Meanwhile, Oliveira would certainly present a step up in competition, as the Brazilian is currently ranked as the third best fighter in the lightweight division in the UFC rankings. The 31-year-old has beaten Tony Ferguson and Jeremy Stephens during his career to this point, and is certainly in contention when it comes to the title picture.
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