5 UFC lightweights who may get a title shot before Islam Makhachev

#2. Dustin Poirier - No.2 ranked UFC lightweight

Dustin Poirier holds a record of 28-7 (1 NC)

Dustin Poirier may be fresh off a defeat for the UFC lightweight championship. However, he remains one of the best in the division. Poirier could be a great opponent for Makhachev should the Russian win on Saturday but need another fight to challenge for the gold.

There could also be another route for Poirier to overtake Makhachev. If 'The Diamond' does get the highly anticipated bout with Nate Diaz and can win, things could get very interesting. This scenario would only make sense should Justin Gaethje win the belt, given Poirier has defeated him in the past.

In either of these scenarios, there seems to be a legitimate chance for Dustin Poirier to overtake Islam Makhachev and challenge for the lightweight title first. While it might seem like a shocking development at present, nothing can be ruled out in the UFC.

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#1. Conor McGregor - No.9 ranked UFC lightweight

Conor McGregor holds a record of 22-6

You can completely discard McGregor's No.9 spot in the rankings because it’s pretty clear that won't affect him much. If 'The Notorious' returns later this year, he will instantly be in the title conversation and could even get an immediate title shot.

McGregor is the biggest star the sport has ever seen, so a singular win at 155 lbs would likely earn him a shot at the title. While it may be more of a stretch, a win for him at 170 lbs could also be enough. There's even been talk of McGregor's next fight being one for the title, which would leave Makhachev waiting in the wings.

For the latter to happen, it would likely take an Oliveira win over Gaethje, followed by the champion calling out the Irishman. While that is not a given, it also does not seem inconceivable. McGregor's popularity is on a different planet to Makhachev's, so he might just overtake the Russian in the race for a title shot.