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MMA

Three possible opponents for Islam Makhachev after defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 302

Three possible opponents for Islam Makhachev after defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 302DAZN
Who does the lightweight world champion see as his next challenge?

Islam Makhachev once again used yet another UFC headliner to bolster his case for being the pound-for-pound best in mixed martial arts today.

The lightweight world champion produced a fifth-round submission (D'arce choke) to defeat Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on Saturday night to run his winning streak to 14.

As his dominant reign continues, the 32-year-old expressed the desire to move up and challenge for the welterweight title next.

That being said, DAZN looks at three possible next opponents for Makhachev.

Challenging the winner of Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad

Edwards is set to defend his welterweight world championship against Muhammad at UFC 304 on July 27.

Riding a 14-fight winning streak has seemingly given Makhachev (26-1) the right to immediately test the welterweight waters in the form of a title shot against the Edwards-Muhammad winner.

Clashing with either would present an intriguing fight and one that the Dagestan native could use to become a double champ, adding to his legacy.

Kamaru Usman

A glance at the welterweight rankings and its former world champion Usman is No. 1 under the titleholder Edwards.

If Makhachev gets tired of waiting around to be locked in a fight with the Edwards-Muhammad winner, perhaps he could test the 170-pound landscape sooner with a fight against Usman in the interim.

At 37, Usman remains a fighter with great mettle and would figure to be a pointed, stern test for Makhachev as an opponent to at least be considered.

Arman Tsarukyan

If Makhachev elects to stick around in the lightweight division for at least one more fight, perhaps he could give a shot to the No. 1 contender in Tsarukyan who has rattled off four straight wins including an impressive split-decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April.

Though Makhachev has set his sights on the welterweight division, MMA fans would still be interested in seeing him in the Octagon with Tsarukyan.