Chasing Islam Makhachev: How the world’s top lightweights can get

UFC president Dana White has become extremely committed to being non-committal on future matchups the night of an event.

These days, when White gets asked about a division’s landscape, the phrases, We’ll see how it plays out and We’ll figure it out at our matchmaking meeting next week have become reliable responses. Sometimes, he’ll even throw an I have no idea in for good measure.

So, what’s truly next for the UFC’s lightweight division, following Charles Oliveira’s sensational win against Beneil Dariush at UFC 289? It’s a heck of a discussion. Here are some burning questions about arguably the UFC’s premiere weight class, including a look at The Ultimate Fighter coaches and how they fit in the mix.

Who’s next for Islam Makhachev?

Right now, the front-runner is Oliveira. Despite White’s refusal to commit to anything, even he couldn’t deny that Makhachev vs. Oliveira makes sense. He even said he’d be excited to see that rematch (Oliveira lost to Makhachev in October).

Oliveira is not, however, the only option. Far from it.

Dustin Poirier faces Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 291 on July 29, in a rematch of a fight from 2018. Neither Poirier nor Gaethje has fought Makhachev yet, and the winner will (deservedly) call for a title shot. Even if that doesn’t happen immediately, I suspect the winner will sit and wait for a title shot, even if it means not fighting again in 2023.

There’s also Alexander Volkanovski, who will look to defend his featherweight title against interim champion Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 on July 8. Volkanovski lost to Makhachev in a very closely contested title fight in February. As long as he beats Rodriguez, I would make Volkanovski the favorite to face Makhachev next. The first fight was brilliant, and Volkanovski has a massive platform on July 8 to make a statement, headlining…