5 lightweights who have the best chance of ending Islam Makhachev's winning streak

#2. Conor McGregor vs. Islam Makhachev

Could this be the next chapter in the McGregor-Khabib rivalry?

While an increasing number of people are questioning Conor McGregor following consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier, he definitely has a skillset that could trouble Islam Makhachev.

'The Notorious' remains very capable of knocking opponents out and has shown a knack for getting back to his feet after a takedown. The story behind this fight would also be great given McGregor's rivalry with Islam's mentor Khabib.

The bout is unlikely to take place anytime soon, given McGregor's injury and the likelihood that this would not be his first fight back. However, if Makhachev is able to capture the title and McGregor can return to winning ways, perhaps we could see these two fight one day.

Makhachev would have to be very alert in this potential bout to avoid McGregor's power shots. In the past, this has been Makhachev's undoing, as we saw at UFC 192 when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins.

---

#1. Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev

Poirier could be fighter of the year should he beat Charles Oliveira

Dustin Poirier has another chance to be crowned the undisputed lightweight champion for the first time at UFC 269.

Poirier has looked phenomenal recently, as shown by his two consecutive finishes of Conor McGregor. He also caught a glimpse of Islam Makhachev's style when he took on Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242. Poirier arguably came the closest to defeating 'The Eagle'. He locked in a deep guillotine on the Dagestani, only for Nurmagomedov to escape after much struggle.

If anyone can solve the puzzle Makhachev presents, it is likely to be Poirier. He has demonstrated that all facets of his game are currently at an elite level. Perhaps we will get to see these two square off in 2022.