Islam Makhachev, the current king of the UFC lightweight division and pound-for-pound champion, is at the zenith of his career. The question remains: who has his challenge on the horizon? As Topuria has been making headlines and callouts for a fight, Makhachev and his team had almost no interest in taking that fight. This leaves fans wondering–if not Ilia, who could it be?
Islam Makhachev’s Dominance in the UFC
Islam Makhachev has set his place among the most dominant fighters in UFC history. He has developed an elite grappling game under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and with excellent striking skills to complement his grappling. These traits have made him a champion capable of neutralizing opponents and controlling fights.
Makhachev has stamped his legacy with a winning streak that includes victories over fighters such as Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier. The UFC is always looking for the next big fight; the fans want to see him against fresh challenges.
Justin Gaethje: A Likely Next Challenger?
Another name is Justin Gaethje, who does come to mind. With violent pace and pressure tactics, he is an exhilarating fight for anyone Ibeth to face. Gaethje was en route to another title shot before he faced Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Justin Gaethje’s Latest Setback
Gaethje had declared before the bout with Holloway that he was making another title run. Unfortunately for him, Holloway had a stellar performance and stopped the late charge of Gaethje in their clash of wits. Gaethje, however, remains one of the top contenders for the lightweight championship.
Dan Hooker Fight Cancelation
The UFC planned to match Gaethje up with Dan Hooker at UFC 313 to get him back in title contention, and that plan went wrong when Hooker sustained an injury to his right hand and had to pull out of the fight. The UFC is now on the lookout for an alternative for Gaethje.
Other Contenders?
Momentum is big in matchmaking at UFC. A win over a credible opponent in his next fight may place Gaethje in a position to challenge for the title against Islam Makhachev.
Mismatched martial arts styles present a tough matchup for Makhachev. Gaethje, unlike Makhachev’s previous opponents, possesses elite wrestling, knockout power, and an iron chin.
While Makhachev’s grappling may be the better of the two, Gaethje’s wrestling defense and striking present plenty of excitement.
While Gaethje is named as a leading candidate, he is certainly not the only one who can challenge Makhachev next. Here, therefore, are a few other possibilities:
Charles Oliveira
Oliveira was originally set to fight Makhachev at UFC 294 when he justified his withdrawal with an unfortunate injury. He remains a major contender and could be a title contender again with a huge win in his next fight.
Arman Tsarukyan
Tsarukyan keeps climbing up the lightweight rankings with good reason. His growth since his initial meeting with Makhachev has been astounding. Victories against other top contenders might keep him right around the corner for a second meeting with Makhachev.
Beneil Dariush
Being a star of the weight class, Beneil Dariush has been bringing attention with his aggressive style and well-rounded game. He would have to get one more big win, and he is surely in the mix for title trouble.
Conclusion
Assuming Ilia Topuria is out of the question, the next fight for Islam Makhachev is quite uncertain. Justin Gaethje, the fighter most likely to be chosen next, would be the candidate, but only if he carries a win in his next bout.
Gaethje’s sort of fighting is fun for fans and match-ups in terms of experience with the champion.
Otherwise, the UFC could look elsewhere, considering guys such as Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, or Benoît Saint-Denis. Wherever it goes, the action is bound to make another fascinating title fight in this lightweight division.