On demand: Fights we need to see after UFC 280!

Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush

Islam Makhachev. Photo: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports

Instead of facing dominant featherweight king Alexander Volkanovksi, let’s put the new champion up against Beneil Dariush instead. With eight straight wins against stiff competition, Dariush should rightfully be getting the next title shot.

However, fighting Volkanovski at UFC 284 in his home turf in Australia is of course the most marketable fight to make. Especially since ”Volk” is No. 1 on the pound-for-pound list.

“I have a new target,” Makhachev said at the post-fight press conference. “I have to be No. 1 pound-for-pound champion. That’s why I have to go to Australia and beat this guy.”