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#4. Former UFC title challenger Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson
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Although he is on a losing skid, Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson is still an entertaining fighter to watch in the UFC. The karate practitioner is a high-level striker and could be another option should Justin Gaethje test himself at 170 pounds. It wouldn't be the first time Thompson has fought a lightweight — he competed against former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis in 2018.
Gaethje and Thompson could produce an all-out slugfest, given their reputation for generating KO/TKO wins. Thompson is currently on a two-fight losing skid that includes unanimous decision losses to Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad. His most recent loss was more decisive than the last, with judges scoring the bout 30-26, 30-26, and 30-25 in favor of Muhammad.
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The former welterweight title challenger was outmatched in the grappling and wrestling realms during both losses. Since 'Wonderboy' is going through a rough stretch, he could be more motivated to fight a striker of Justin Gaethje's caliber.
#3. Winner of No.5-ranked UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot
Justin Gaethje could see a path to getting back into title contention in the UFC lightweight division. The winner of the upcoming bout between Beneil Dariush and Mateusz Gamrot could be a realistic option. They are scheduled to square off on October 22 when the promotion returns to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Dariush has climbed the lightweight rankings since his loss to Alexander Hernandez in 2018. Since then, he's been riding a 7-fight winning streak, during which he defeated Thiago Moises, Drew Dober, and Tony Ferguson.
Meanwhile, Gamrot is on the rise at lightweight. The No.9-ranked lightweight is coming off his fourth straight win against Arman Tsarukyan, which earned Fight of the Night honors.
If 'Gamer' picks up the win, a bout against 'The Highlight' could elevate him into the title picture at 155 pounds. Justin Gaethje, on the other hand, could maintain his ranking and keep himself active in a stacked division.
