Brendan Miller
Islam Makhachev is on the verge of a record-breaking feat after defeating Dustin Poirier in a bloody fight at UFC 302. It was an important step for the champion’s legacy and a crushing defeat for a challenger in his final rally. Makhachev can now try to break the UFC lightweight title record or become a two-division champion.
Makhachev’s willingness to attack and Poirier’s improved defense made for a thrilling main event in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday. Makhachev tied BJ Penn, Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson and mentor Kahbib Nurmagomedov with three successful title defenses. Makhachev’s career is on the rise, while Poirier, who teased his retirement, appears to be in decline.
Let’s take a look at the best fights after Makhachev vs. Poirier and Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa.
Light
Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan: Makhachev and I have different priorities. Makachev announced post-fight that he wanted to challenge for the UFC welterweight title. Leon Edwards holds the 170-pound title and will defend it against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 on July 27. I’d rather see Makhachev pursue a record fourth defense of the UFC lightweight title against a more deserving challenger. Tsarukyan is rightfully ranked No. 1 in the UFC lightweight rankings after beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Tsarukyan wisely declined to fight Makhachev on six weeks’ notice, but he should be next in line. UFC President Dana White told reporters at the UFC 302 press conference that while he is open to having Makhachev replace him if Muhammad gets hurt, Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan is the fight to take.
Dustin Poirier x Charles Oliveira 2: Honestly, I would like to see Poirier retire. “The Diamond” has nothing to prove and is one of the rare undisputed champions who rightfully deserves a place in the UFC Hall of Fame. Poirier has made it clear that he will not rise through the ranks again and is not interested in a fourth fight with Conor McGregor. That doesn’t leave much for him. If he returns, it will be interesting to see how his improved grappling defense fares in the rematch with Oliveira.
Average weight
Sean Strickland vs. Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev: Strickland wants to fight for the UFC middleweight title, but his performance on Saturday won’t affect the outcome. It was decisive, but far from fun. UFC President Dana White previously announced Whittaker vs. Chimaev as title eliminator. Dricus du Plessis is also expected to defend the title against Israel Adesanya next. This creates an impasse. Strickland’s best bet would be to fight the loser of Whittaker vs. Chimaev to make his claim to the title undeniable.
Paulo Costa x Jared Cannonier or Nassourdine Imavov: Don’t be fooled by the split decision result, Costa lost this fight. He is currently ranked 7th in the official UFC middleweight rankings. Cannonier (No. 4) and Imavov (No. 8) will headline UFC Fight Night next Saturday. Pairing Costa with the loser of this fight makes sense in terms of timing, momentum and ranking.
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