Charles Oliveira is the new UFC lightweight king, who’s next?
Charles Oliveira became the UFC lightweight champion with one of those fights that fans never forget. With an element of drama in that he was nearly finished in the first round.
But the king of finishes in the world’s biggest promotion would have an answer for Michael Chandler, whom he knocked out in the opening seconds of the next episode.
Oliveira is the eleventh champion of a division in which no one, not even Khabib Nurmagomedov himself, can speak of historic dominance. The Russian shares the record of three defenses alongside legends like BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar.
Today more than ever, the challenge of keeping the belt will be complicated.
The next few months will mark the future of the 155 pounds and there are fights that will define the Brazilian’s first challenger. These are the options.
The winner of UFC 264
After the victory in Abu Dhabi in January, Dustin Poirier was placed as the top ranked 155 lbs, however, he had other plans and will close the trilogy against Conor McGregor in Las Vegas on July 10.
Dana White refused to take it for granted, but whoever takes this fight will be the top contender in the middle and will also sell a good amount of pay-per-views.
Poirier is counting on the win over Justin Gaehtje which would give him the direct ticket should he beat the Irishman again.
In the case of ‘The Notorious’ it goes without saying that he is the top star in the division and has the championship record that would make him a legitimate fight against Charles for the title.
- Justin Gaethje (22-3)
The former interim champion has been on the sidelines following his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October of last year. He has bounced back and improved in several areas in recent months working alongside fighters like Kamaru Usman in his camp.
His aggressive style made him a fan favorite, but it was patience that made him beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. It looks like he needs one more win to get another title shot and the landscape has set him up with several options like Michael Chandler himself, Dan Hooker or the newly promoted Beniel Dariush to make a spectacular fight and, should he win, make it clear that he should be next.
- Islam Makachev (19-1).
One week after UFC 264, the Dagestani will face Thiago Moses in Las Vegas. Although he’s missed out on higher level opponents like Rafael Dos Anjos (on more than one occasion) or Tony Ferguson, Khabib’s closeness and dominant style could catapult him in the coming months.
His last loss was six years ago to Adriano Martins and since then he has strung together seven straight wins. It will be the closest thing to keeping the legacy of “The Eagle” alive if he convincingly defeats the Brazilian.
They are all dangerous opponents and surely by the end of July we will have a very clear picture at 155 pounds.
