Ring My Line Dana: How I’d Sort Out the UFC Lightweight Division

The UFC Lightweight division is pack with more killer animals than the Sahara Desert. With an all-time GOAT at the end of his championship career, the stacked 155 pound division just got a bit spicier. Dustin Poirer shook up the world and sipped on casual’s tears on his way out last Saturday. Now there seems to be a lack of structure in the division. We all know Dana was banking on Conor to get the win. He pestered Khabib for weeks just at the thought of Conor vs Khabib 2 doing 2 million+ PPV buys. That fight is ready to be thrown into the Khabib vs Tony and Yair vs Zabit vault of probably never happening. The extravagant plans from Dana White and UFC matchmakers didn’t work out so well, but luckily I’m here to save the day. Thank me later Uncle Dana.

(Youtube/UFC)

Dustin Poirier vs Charles Oliveira- Vacant UFC Lightweight Championship

First, let’s handle the changing of the guard. The Russian bear wrestler known as Khabib Nurmagomedov has moved on from the sport following the passing of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and his recent submission victory over Justin Gaethje. This means the title is just sitting at the bar, waiting for someone to come buy it a drink. Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira is the correct matchup for the vacant belt. Poirier, as we all know, became the first person to ever TKO the biggest name in the history of the sport Conor McGregor. This boosted Poirier’s status to new levels and almost guaranteed that he will be at least one side of the next title fight. Dustin has recently shown interest in a fight with Nate Diaz, but I feel that would just tie down the division even more. Charles Oliveira is the hardcore fan’s sweetheart and dark horse. Since moving back up to 155 after a short stint at featherweight, Oliveira is on an 8 fight winning streak with 7 finishes, and if Tony Ferguson’s arm wasn’t made of rubber it would probably be 8. His record doesn’t hold the same big name wins as some of the other contenders, but winning 8 fights in a row is nothing to scoff at. This fight may not sell the PPVs that other options could, but for the integrity of the sport and the division, it is absolutely the correct fight.

(Jeff Botarri/Zuffa LLC)

Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz 3

This fight should’ve happened 4 years ago! It should’ve happened before the Poirier fight. I’ll yell it from the mountain tops. This has been the correct next step in Conor’s career for a while, at least since he lost to Floyd “Brittle Hands” Mayweather. Now is the perfect time to book this fight for a multitude of different reasons. First of all, both men are still top draws in the UFC. Even with both coming off a loss, I think this PPV could do close to 2 million buys. Secondly, it logistically makes sense for the division. Nate has explained that he only wants super fights and title fights, and a title fight at this moment is not happening. Sorry Nate, love you pal. This fight gives both men the opportunity to get back in the win column, restarts one of the best unfinished rivalries in the sport, and could get Nate that title shot he really wants. For Conor, if he can officially close the Diaz chapter of his career with a win, he could have a case for finishing his other trilogy with Dustin Poirier. This time fo the 155 pound belt. Also Nate would not let Conor be so nice in the press conferences. Expect insults and water bottles to be thrown as much as possible. Don’t screw this one up again. Book it Dana!

Justin Gaethje vs Michael Chandler

Very entertaining violence. Thats how both Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler fight 100% of the time. Let’s rewind to 2017, Justin Gaethje is considered one of the best fighters not in the UFC. He is WSOF Lightweight Champion and consistently pumping out fight of the year worthy performances with his “go ahead and punch me” style. In his debut, he put on his first Fight of the Night UFC performance in a stoppage win over Michael Johnson. Let’s snap back to reality, oop there’s goes gravity. Two months ago Michael Chandler was seen as one of the best fighters not in the UFC. He is a former Bellator World Champion with all-time classic fights against former UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez and two wins over another former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson. In his debut this past Saturday, Chandler starched number 6 ranked Dan Hooker in the first round. And now we’re here! Two men with basically identical paths to the UFC, but in different spots in their careers. Justin is coming off a championship loss to Khabib, Chandler is coming off his win against Hooker. Both men are potentially one win away from a shot at the belt. Rankings wise this makes sense, Gaethje is currently 2nd, Chandler is 4th. If not for the utterly insane entertainment this fight would bring, it also serves as the rightful number one contender fight in the division.

Tony Ferguson vs Dan Hooker

Who doesn’t love Tony Ferguson? Maybe Werdum, but who cares? Ferguson was the people’s champ for a long time. From 2013 to 2019, he won 12 straight fights in the division, but was never officially awarded a shot at the undisputed title. He was able to capture the interim belt against Kevin “I see holes in Khabib’s game” Lee, but his fight with Khabib had to be cancelled 5 times over the course of 4 years. Freak accidents like Tony injuring himself on production wires and Khabib becoming sick from bad tiramisu robbed the fans of the fight we all wanted. Tony is now coming off two straight losses to Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira, but it’s certainly not time to count out El Cucuy. Dan Hooker is coming off maybe the worst loss of his career against Michael Chandler last Saturday. He has now lost two straight, but his loss to Dustin Poirier was such a good fight it raised his stock in the eyes of many. Hooker scared some fans by taking off his gloves in the octagon last weekend, which is usually a sign of retirement amongst fighters. However, Hooker confirmed to the Submission Radio Podcast that it was a frustration move and he is not retiring. This fight is a could serve as a real reality check for both men. If Ferguson can get past Hooker, he isn’t done. If Hooker can take out Tony, he cements himself as a top 5 lightweight and guarantees himself another big fight.

Fantasy Fight:

Khabib vs GSP

PLEASE!