The UFC Lightweight Division Is Too Damn Good
When it comes to divisions in the UFC, nothing compares to the 155lb division. It’s by far the most stacked division in the entire UFC, and it’s time Dana White and company really found out who is the next title contender at 155. I know there’s people like Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby to make the big decisions when it comes to matchmaking, but here’s how the UFC could set up 5 key UFC lightweight match ups to find out who is the best 155lb fighter on the planet.
Playing UFC Matchmaker With The Current Top 10 Lightweights
Look. At. That. Top. 10. Madness. All killers. I can’t remember the last time a division was so filled with absolute monsters. Currently Khabib and Gaethje are set to clash at UFC 254 on October 24th, so I’m not including him on the list of potential match ups. This card lineup will be based on who should fight who next to get a better picture on who should fight the winner of Khabib vs Gaethje after October 24th. Lets start from the bottom and work our way up. Obviously some fighters are currently out due to injury or COVID, but lets just dream big pretend this is something that can actually happen.
Kevin Lee vs Beneil Dariush
Dariush has been on an absolute tear lately. He’s currently riding a five fight win streak with all of his wins ending in finishes. Lee on the other hand is dealing with an ACL injury, but this would be a true test for Lee to see if he deserves a spot in the top 10 of the division. Lee’s latest loss comes from Charles Oliveira after Oliveria submitted Lee earlier this year. This match would show who is a title contender at 155 and who needs to continue to climb the ladder.
Diego Ferreira vs Charles Oliveira
Ferreira is currently riding a six fight win streak with his latest win over Anthony Pettis proving he is ready for someone in the top 10. Ferreira is scheduled to fight Drew Dober in November. Oliveria on the other hand was scheduled to fight Dariush, but pulled out of the fight that was set to take place on October 3rd. Oliveria is currently riding a 7 fight win streak with all of his victories ending in a finish. If I was a UFC matchmaker this is the next fight that needs to happen in the 155lb division.
Paul Felder vs Al Ianquinta
When it comes to tough fighters not many compare to both Felder and Ianquinta. Both are coming off of a loss from Dan Hooker, but this match up would prove who still is willing to put it all on the line for a spot in the top 10. Sure, Felder is technically “retired” but has shown interest in getting back into the octagon, while Ianquinta currently has no fight lined up or a date for when he’ll be returning to the octagon. This fight would be a blood bath and entertaining from start to finish.
Tony Ferguson vs Dan Hooker
If Ferguson isn’t going to welcome Michael Chandler to the UFC then why not have him face Dan Hooker? Ferguson is coming off of a loss against Justin Gaethje. Dan Hooker is coming off of an unanimous decision loss to Dustin Poirier. This fight makes perfect sense. Hooker vs Poirier is my pick for the 2020 Fight Of The Year, and if Ferguson vs Hooker actually happened I have no doubt it would be one of the biggest fights in Lightweight history. Ferguson wants another shot at the belt and this is the way to do it. A dominant win over Hooker would put Ferguson right back into the title picture, but Hooker is no walk in the park. MMA fans need to see this fight happen.
Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor
Need I say more? This fight should determine who is next for the winner of Khabib and Gaethje. Dana White recently shut any talks of McGregor and Poirier fighting for charity outside the UFC. Both have been offered both contracts to fight one another. Out of all the match ups I would love to see happen, this one has the biggest possibility of actually happening. A win for Poirier would mean another shot at the belt while a win for McGregor would set up McGregor vs Khabib 2 which we would all love to see. Both fighters have grown so much over the years since their last fight at UFC 148 seven years ago. This fight needs to happen ASAP to prove who is the next fight for whoever wins at UFC 254.
