After a chaotic turn of events at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev solidified himself as the best fighter in the world. His record-breaking fifth title fight win, and fourth title defense, didn’t come against his old foe and potentially toughest matchup in Arman Tsarukyan, however. Instead, the opportunistic Renato Moicano stepped up to the plate when the promotion needed a replacement for the injured Tsarukyan.
The unflappable Makhachev made quick work of the Brazilian. The next challenger is not set as of now, but he seems ready to run through anyone in front of him.

Outlook: The 33-year-old Makhachev acted like a true champion at UFC 311, accepting the last-second replacement without so much as batting an eye and making easy work of a dangerous challenger. Makhachev has not only won five title fights, but he finished four of them. The record-breaking fourth consecutive title defense at 155 pounds now has people wondering if Makhachev should be considered the greatest lightweight of all-time, and such conversations speak to his dominance. Makhachev is now one win away from tying Anderson Silva’s legendary winning streak, and who that opportunity will come against is muddy. UFC CEO Dana White said Arman Tsarukyan has some work to do to earn a second shot at Makhachev, so Makhachev can afford to sit back and let the chips fall where they may for the next few months. One fight of interest is the five-round co-main event between Dan Hooker and Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.
1) Arman Tsarukyan
Last Fight: Split Decision Win vs Charles Oliveira (4/13/2024)
Next fight: N/A

Outlook: The rematch between Makhachev and Tsarukyan was not only one people were desperate to see, but it was also the clear fight to make in the division. A back injury forced Tsarukyan to pull out at the last second, an inconvenience slightly softened because of Renato Moicano’s willingness to take his chance. On social media, Tsarukyan seemed keen to do the work to get back to that title-challenger slot even proposing a five-round rematch with Charles Oliveira. While the mark of falling out of a fight 36 hours before he would make the walk is a hard one to shake, the 28-year-old has every tool he needs to make amends and earn his way back.
2) Charles Oliveira
Last Fight: Unanimous Decision Win vs Michael Chandler (11/16/24)
Next fight: N/A

Outlook: “Do Bronxs” was in attendance at UFC 311, reminding everyone of his very real presence in title talks. Oliveira is 2-1 since losing to Makhachev at UFC 280, and the 35-year-old most recently scored a Fight of the Night win over Michael Chandler at UFC 309. One could make the case for Oliveira getting the next shot with Makhachev. The rematch between the two was booked almost immediately but never came to fruition because of a cut Oliveira suffered a week before the fight. Makhachev has since run rampant through each of his challengers, and unless Oliveira is booked in a rematch against Tsarukyan, he does have the best case to challenge Makhachev at present.
3) Justin Gaethje
Last Fight: KO Loss vs Max Holloway (4/13/2024)
Next fight: vs Dan Hooker (3/8/2024)

Outlook: Gaethje took much needed and deserved time off after his knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, but “The Highlight” knows he doesn’t have much time left in the title picture at 36 years old. The all-action man can reignite his hopes for a title shot when he fights Dan Hooker at UFC 313. A big-time win in Las Vegas could put him in position for either a No. 1 contender bout or, if timing plays in his favor, a shot at the belt. Gaethje was arguably in pole position for a title challenge before he risked it all against Holloway, so one could argue he deserves the chance if he takes care of business in March.

Outlook: Although he gave it all against Islam Makhachev, Poirier ultimately fell short in his third shot at undisputed gold. “The Diamond” didn’t hang up his gloves like many anticipated, but the 36-year-old future Hall of Fame member has openly talked about his next fight being his last.

Outlook: The current BMF champion wasn’t able to complete his epic 2024 on the highest of notes, instead suffering his first knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in their featherweight title fight. “Blessed” announced after the fight that he was officially moving up to the lightweight division. Holloway looked the part of a 155er against Gaethje, and there are fun fights galore for the 33-year-old.
In the Mix: Dan Hooker, Michael Chandler, Mateusz Gamrot, Ilia Topuria

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Outlook: In what has felt like a turning of a page in the lightweight division recently, Dan Hooker has climbed back to real relevance in the division. “The Hangman” pushed his way to the brink of title contention in 2020, culminating in an all-time brawl against Dustin Poirier in June 2020, but that loss, plus three more in his next four bouts, stymied his momentum in a big way. Three wins later, however, Hooker is back in a prime slot against Justin Gaethje. If the Kiwi can get the win, he is very much in the title conversation.