After UFC 254’s main event, The Russian UFC Champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has announced his retirement from the Octagon. The reasons were because he wants to spend time with his family and that he promised his mother that it will be his fight. The recent death of his father may have also factored in his decision.
Had Khabib not retired, he would have been likely the favorite to remain the champion because he made the fights looks easy and dominated three of the top 5 fighters. Who will likely be the next UFC Champion if the belt is vacated?
5. Michael Chandler may have not proven his worth in the UFC since his yet to make his debut. Chandler is looking to showcase his skills and prove to the world that he belongs in the UFC. He is currently scheduled to face Dan Hooker at UFC 257. Many people will have their eyes on the fight card since it will be headlined by Mcgregor vs Poirier.
It will likely also be served as a backup fighter if one of the main-event fighters gets injured or pulls out for some reason. Michael Chandler was also the backup fighter for the Khabib vs Gaethje fight but both fighters made weight so Chandler had no scheduled fight. Chandler is known to have strong punch with high-level wrestling. He indicated that his plan for Hooker is to wear him out in the early rounds and look for the finish in the later rounds.
4. Charles Oliveira is looking to be the most complete fighter of them all in terms of a mixed martial artist. His striking is top-notched combined with submission skills, most of his fights end in a stoppage. He is described to be the Tony Ferguson 2.0 as both have similar styles but Oliveira looks to have a more polished striking. He is my favorite to be the next champion, due to him just improving fast.
He has no scheduled fight at the moment, but his last win against Tony Ferguson was impressive and dominating. He out grappled and almost finished Ferguson. He wants the winner of the Mcgregor vs Poirier fight and wants the fight booked as for the vacant lightweight belt.
3. Justin Gaethje was the last fighter that fought for the title. He is still the number 1 contender. He may have the best leg kicks in the division, although he lost his last there is no shame in losing to Khabib. He knocked out Cerrone, Barboza, and TKO’d Tony Ferguson in a brutal fashion.
He is also a D1 Wrestler so he might bring it back in his fight considering he showed but grappling against Khabib or Khabib is just that good. No scheduled fight as of the moment but he could potentially face Charles Oliveira as those two are the only fighters that have no scheduled fights in the top 5.
2. Dustin Poirier was also a former interim lightweight champion when he beat Max Holloway. He also has a win against Justin Gaethje. Although when he fought Khabib, he had the same fate where he got submitted easily by Khabib.
He is set to rematch Conor Mcgregor, he is looking to avenge his loss. He has improved tremendously since their first encounter. Poirier is known to have good boxing and also a black belt BJJ. He has wins over Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, and Dan Hooker so his resume speaks for itself in the lightweight division.
1. Conor Mcgregor might be the favorite in winning it all. He was the last undisputed lightweight champion where he beat Eddie Alvarez handed. He was also the only fighter to win a single round against Khabib. According to AKA coach, Javier Mendez, Mcgregor is the most dangerous stylistic fight for Khabib.
He is also looking to fight Dustin Poirier and show the world that he still is the best in the division. No one has more priority given by the UFC than Conor Mcgregor since he generates the biggest PPV numbers. He is the cash cow of the UFC, so he always has special treatment.
The lightweight division is probably one of the most talent stacked divisions and there are still other fighters that are looking to upset and become the champion. Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson are also in the mix but will most unlikely get a taste of belt within 2021.
