On demand: Six UFC lightweight fights we need to see in 2022

UFC lightweights Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor. Photo: Jason Da Silva-USA TODAY Sports, Twitter and Instagram: (@justin_gaethje)

The UFC lightweight division is probably the most stacked in the organization, and has been that for some time. However, since former champion Charles Oliveira didn’t make weight in his last title defence, the division now stands without a champion.

Click ”Next” to take a closer look at who should fight for the title next – and other interesting scraps to make in the ligthweight division.

Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title

Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. Photo: Jason Da Silva-USA TODAY Sports and Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

This is the fight that needs to happen. For the UFC lightweight title. Every other matchup is number one bullshit.

Or as Khabib Nurmagomedov recently told ESPN:

“Let them fight, best versus best. There is only Islam and Charles”.

Conor McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson

”The Notorious” Conor McGregor. Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Two highly popular, but declining, lightweight legends. Two of the biggest names the division ever had, both in desperate need of a win.

A risky fight for the UFC, since Conor McGregor is still their biggest name. But for the fans, what’s there not to like about this matchup?

Guram Kutateladze vs. Paddy Pimblett

Guram Kutateladze and Paddy Pimblett. Photo: Johnathon Michael-Frontkick.online / Dolly Clew-Cage Warriors

A fight between rising UFC star Paddy ”The Baddy” Pimblett and the Swedish-Georgian powerhouse Guram Kutateladze has a top spot on Frontkick’s wishlist.

Kutateladze actually called Pimblett out, just when the Brit signed the UFC contract last year, but got nothing but a rude response.

“I called him out pretty respectfully, but the way he responded to me … It’s nothing that you’re going to forget … you don’t forgive these kinds of things, and you’re going to have to pay for it, in one way or another. If I won’t be the one to punish him, life will punish him … call it whatever”, Kutateladze recently told Frontkick.

However, as much as we want to see them fight it out in the octagon, Kutateladze will first take on Damir Ismagulov at an upcoming UFC event June 18. This will be his first UFC fight since the debut win over Mateusz Gamrot, almost two years ago.

Beneil Dariush vs. Justin Gaethje

Beneil Dariush. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

No. 6 ranked Beneil Dariush has an impressive seven fight win streak, but need at least one more victory to get a title shot. No. 3 ranked Justin Gaethje, on the other hand, needs a couple of good wins to be considered a worthy title challenger again.

Stylistically it’s a very interesting matchup considering Dariush’s slick submissions and Gaethje’s heavy hands.

Michael Chandler vs. Dustin Poirier

Michael Chandler. Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Lately, Dustin Poirier has been all over social media looking for a fight this summer, and Michael Chandler pretty much called out everyone in the top of the division – except Louisiana’s finest fighter.

This bout would be a total barn burner and is by far one of the more exciting matchups in the top of the lightweight division. Why not make this fight happen?

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Rafael Fiziev

Rafael dos Anjos. Photo via Instagram: (@rdosanjosmma)

No. 7 ranked Rafael dos Anjos and No. 10 ranked Rafael Fiziev was scheduled to fight on February 19, but due to Fiziev’s visa issues, the bout was postponed to UFC 272. However, one week prior to UFC 272 Fiziev had to withdraw due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Now, we hope to finally see this interesting lightweight bout on July 9.

Former UFC lightweight champion RDA is on a two fight win streak after defeating Paul Felder and Renato Moicano. Fiziev is on a impressive five fight winning streak, including wins over Bobby Green and Brad Riddell.

Read more: Rising Stars: Here Are Sweden’s Top 17 MMA Prospects

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