UFC 268, Another banger has come to an end with Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, Rose Namajunas, Marlon Vera & Chris Barnett stealing the show.
We will first look at the ranking updates and then we will move to the potential matchup prediction.
Justin Gaethje maintained his number 2 ranking by defeating Michael Chandler., Which made Chandler to slip down to number 5 position which promoted Islam Makhachevone position up.
Current top 5 lightweights
1.Dustin Poirier
2.Justin Gaethje
3.Beneil Dariush
4.Islam Makhachev
5.Michael Chandler
For welterweight division, No changes have been made yet and Colby still sits at number 1 position.
However, Khamzat Chimaev has entered top 10 by defeating Li Jingliang.
Potential Fights to make after UFC 268
UFC 268 were mostly about Lightweight and Welterweight division. So we will be covering only these two divisions only.
Right now for lightweight division who gets the next title shot. I think Gaethje is the right fighter, but if Poirier defeats Oliveira and Conor comes back then Gaethje will have to sit around for another 6 months.
If Oliveira wins, then it’s obvious that Gaethje will get the next title shot and Poirier will fight Conor.
If Oliveira loses, He will be thrown at Islam Makhachev to make his way for the title shot.
One thing I know for sure is they are never going to do Makhachev Vs. Dariush unless Makhachev has the belt and don’t have any other option.
Accept it or not, but it is the bitter truth that the UFC doesn’t want to see Dariush as the champion, They see only Islam, Conor, Dustin and Justin as the marketable champs so the matchmaking will also be done around them for at least 2022.
Fights to make at Welterweight
I think Kamaru is going to take at least 8 months of layoff after that performance against Colby at UFC 268.
If Leon beats Masvidal at UFC 269 then undoubtedly he gets to fight Kamaru For title, but if he loses, then we will 100% to see Masvidal Vs. Colby happening for number one contender fight.
If Leon loses then he will be thrown at Khamzat for his easy top 5 spot. Gilbert Burns is available for booking, but UFC not interested in that fight because Burns can burn Khamzat.
Whether it is Islam or Khamzat, UFC will always give them non wrestler fighters until they become champion.
Nate Diaz Vs. Stephen Thompson is another great matchup also suits each others style.
Colby Vs. Diaz is also sellable fight, Which Nate Diaz will take without any hesitations.
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