The lightweight title picture may become clearer following UFC 300 this coming Saturday, with three top-five lightweights competing on the blockbuster main card.
Despite Dustin Poirier likely being the next to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title because of timing working in his favor, the UFC 300 fights could throw a hammer in the works.
The Russian champion made it clear that he didn’t want to fight at UFC 300 on April 13th, because of Ramadan, stating he wants to return in June, leaving the door open for Poirier.
UFC 300 will determine who fights the winner of Makhachev versus Poirier
When Dana White announced the Charles Oliveira versus Arman Tsarukyan fight for UFC 300, the boss stated that it would be a number one contender fight, with the winner fighting Islam Makhachev.
Another huge fight in the 155lb division goes down between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. Although that fight isn’t likely to end quickly, if the winner does so impressively, they may put themselves in the conversation to be next.
With that being said, it is unclear whether Makhachev will defend his title against the 35-year-old Lousianan next, as nothing has been officially confirmed by the promotion.
Despite that, Poirier took to his social media this past weekend claiming that ‘Islam Makhachev is next. It’s time to reach the pinnacle.”
The UFC may decide to wait and see the results of both UFC 300 lightweight fights before they decide who will challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155lb strap next.
Chael Sonnen believes Charles Oliveira doesn’t want to fight Islam Makhachev again
Although ‘Do Bronx’s’ fight against Tsarukyan was labeled as a number one contender fight, Chael Sonnen believes that the Brazilian doesn’t want to rematch Makhachev, even if he wins this weekend.
Oliveira lost his lightweight title to Makhachev in an uninspiring performance at UFC 280, and then after beating Beneil Dariush, he earned a rematch with the Russian which was scheduled for UFC 294.
The 34-year-old withdrew from the fight after sustaining a cut in training, which Sonnen has called ‘a paper cut’.
“Oliveira has made it very clear that he doesn’t want to fight Islam. He made it clear before they fought in October of which a paper cut scrapped that one.” Sonnen said in a recent episode of Good Guy Bad Guy.
“Oliveira and his manager all within the last seven days have both given separate interviews saying if they win the fight, they want Conor McGregor. If you’re sitting around waiting for Conor McGregor, you’re unemployed. If you go ask for Conor when someone else is trying to give you a world title fight, we can’t force you into something you don’t want to do.” Sonnen added.
Sonnen is referring to the fact that Oliveira was asked who he’d prefer to fight next out of Makhachev and Conor McGregor if he beats Tsarukyan. The former lightweight champion answered that ‘The Notorious’ would be his choice.
McGregor’s UFC return is yet to be officially announced by the UFC, however, rumors are circulating that the promotion is going to announce it at the UFC 300 press conference on April 11th.
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