Who’s Next For The Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev.

UFC 299 and 300 holds a lot of implications in the lightweight division, with a lot of top talent competing.

UFC 299 has Mateusz Gamrot vs. Rafael dos Anjos during the prelims, though if RDA comes out victorious I don’t see him being offered a title shot, on the other hand, if Gamrot comes out with the W it’s hard to deny him a title shot. Gamrot who has wins in 4 of his last 5 outings. Only loss coming to a razor close decision against Beneil Dariush back in early 22’.

Also on 299 we have Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis, a 5 round co main. This is a massive step up for BSD who is trying to break into title contention with a win over Dustin.

Dustin who’s know to put a pressure and pace on his opponents, should be able to do the same to BSD who’s had issues against fighters like Dustin. Gabriel Miranda nearly put BSD to sleep by doing so, with someone with the skill set Dustin has, I believe he gets the finish against BSD.

This puts Dustin either in a title eliminator or right into the mix.

Moving on to 300 Charles Oliveira takes on Arman Tsarukyan, this is the most interesting matchup we’ll talk about on this article.

Both men are complete MMA fighters and can take the fight anywhere comfortably. Charles who’s already had a well respected title run with 3 defences, against top talent, could easily do it again, he’s so talented, and I believe Tsarukyan won’t be able to handle Charles skill set. Tsarukyan who’s well touted in his own right, could very well prove me wrong, I think he beats a lot of the top guys in the lightweight division, just not Charles.

Finally, the BMF title fight. Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway, another 5 round banger.

Max who’s moving up in weight from featherweight, though he’s fought at lightweight multiple times.

Max is so durable, but so is Justin. Max has elite boxing, but so dose Justin. Justin has elite leg kicks, Max struggles with leg kicks. Max has never been finished, Justin has only been finished by champions, Max is a champion. This is one fight I honestly have no idea how this fight goes. Both men have opportunity’s to take out the other, Justin will have to utilize the leg kick, that he does so well, Max will have to utilize his distance an use his boxing and gain control with that, who ever wins, are set up pretty nice for a title shot afterwards.

The only question I have, if max wins, do he call for a title shot at lightweight against Islam, or do he call for the title shot at featherweight against Ilia.

Rumors are circulating that if Sean O’Malley wins and defends his bantamweight strap. He’s moving up to fight Ilia. Lots of fights to make.