5 fighters Islam Makhachev must defeat before earning a title shot

#2. Islam Makhachev vs. Michael Chandler

Chandler has 0 wins over fighters currently ranked in the top 10

Michael Chandler has not been in the UFC for very long, but he has proven himself to be an incredibly entertaining, top-ranked contender in the octagon. After his ridiculous KO win over Tony Ferguson, many were ready to see him jump back into a title fight. While it may be too soon for that, a fight against Islam Makhachev makes sense.

Chandler likely needs one more statement win to earn a rematch with Charles Oliveira, and a fight with Islam Makhachev would certainly give him that opportunity.

The fight would also serve the same purpose for the Russian, especially when considering the entertainment factor that both fighters bring to the octagon.

Those who criticize Makhachev point to his lack of ranked wins and exciting fights. A fight with Chandler could put both those arguments to rest, as it is seemingly impossible to have a boring bout with the former Bellator champion. The two fighters seem next in line behind Oliveira, so it only makes sense to have them duke it out for the next title shot.

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#1. Islam Makhachev vs. Justin Gaethje

Gaethje has 1 win over fighters currently ranked in the top 10

A fight between Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje shares a number of the positives offered by a matchup with Michael Chandler. Gaethje is an established top five lightweight who is also known for his entertaining bouts. ‘The Highlight’ may be an even more impressive fighter, given his victory over Chandler late last year.

A Makhachev vs. Gaethje bout would answer a lot of questions for both fighters. Gaethje is now in an interesting place career-wise, having cemented his spot as one of the best lightweights in the UFC while also being finished in the first round of both his title fights.

If he is to earn a third championship opportunity, Gaethje needs to get back on track in a big way. He’s lost two of his last three, so some are beginning to doubt just how good he is. This fight would provide he and Makhachev with a huge opportunity, making it one of the most appealing fights in the entire 155 pound division.