The UFC is talking about all sorts of crazy things in the lightweight division. I think there is only one route to go that is fair, and that puts Charles Oliveira in the octagon against Dustin Poirier. This is the right move for a variety of reasons, and I am going to sell you on Oliveira vs Poirier.

It’s the Right Thing to Do

The biggest part of my argument is that both of these men genuinely deserve to be fighting for the belt in their next fight. Dustin Poirier was masterful against Conor McGregor, shutting down what was once a high speed train. This Dustin is an absolute problem at 155 pounds, and he just keeps getting better. On the other side, Charles Oliveira is on an eight fight win streak at 155. Thats the longest active streak (assuming Khabib is retired). He has been phenomenal, and his win over Tony Ferguson was dominant. Oliveira keeps beating whoever is in front of him, and thats all you can ask. This matchup pairs the highest rated active fighter against the man on the longest win streak. Oliveira vs Poirier is fair, and it should be the move.

Khabib in the Mix?

It is fair to say the best shot we had at Khabib coming back for 30-0 was a rout in Conor’s favor. In our new reality, I think an impressive show by Oliveira or Poirier in a title fight is our best chance of coaxing Khabib back. Dustin did just beat Conor worse than Khabib did. I know MMA math doesn’t work that way, but it is still true. Charles, meanwhile, probably has the best BJJ at 155, and check out that shirt Khabib is rocking above. He already defeated Rafael Dos Anjos, another excellent BJJ practitioner. This would be about inter-martial arts shit talking. Khabib could really give his Sambo brethren some high, high horses to sit upon if he came back and beat Oliveira as a champ. Either way, Khabib would have ample reason to fight either of these men, especially if one dominates the other.

Stylistically Fun

Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira is in your face, throwing front kicks and shooting for takedowns. He has an aggressive, sometimes almost wild style that is a joy to watch. His jiu-jitsu is slick, and he seems to glide when he transitions. Dustin “Diamond” Poirier can fight off his back foot as well as anyone in the division, and the power in those hands seems to be improving every time out. He also has excellent ground game, and will stand and exchange in the pocket. These two in the octagon together feels like a perfect match. They would both be playing into what the other one did well by fighting to their strengths. Styles make fights, and these two styles are a perfect combination for an extremely fun fight.

Why Not Someone Else?

I have an opinion that you should not fight for a title coming off a loss. I know that Justin Gaethje is in a more unique situation than usual, but it remains something I believe. A new champion should not be 1-1 in their last two fights. For someone like Michael Chandler, I do not believe 1-0 in the UFC is enough to warrant a title fight. He looked explosive and ready to compete, but one more big win feels more appropriate before he competes for the strap. Gaethje vs Chandler actually makes a ton of sense to me for that reason. Another excellent stylistic matchup, and both men should need another win before it is title time. Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor are coming off two losses in a row at 155 pounds. Rafael Dos Anjos, as a former champion at 155, has more of a claim to challenging in my mind.

We know that the UFC is a business, and will probably make the biggest draw a major factor in their decision. I think this is the long position, because you prove to the division you will treat them fairly. Also, it allows for multiple exciting matchups at 155 to help make some sense of the pecking order. McGregor vs Dos Anjos or Diaz? Ferguson vs Dariush? I have left off so many fun fighters from that stacked 155 pound division, and Oliveira vs Poirier proves to every one of them that the right thing will be done.

What do you think of Oliveira vs Poirier? Shower me with your hatred on twitter if you disagree @phicks7 and follow Belly Up Fantasy for more MMA analysis.