UFC Lightweight Division Faces Key Decisions as Top Fighters Eye Title Opportunities

Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria, and Dustin Poirier navigate career-defining moments while Islam Makhachev awaits his next challenger.

Justin Gaethje is set to face Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, with hopes of securing a lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev later this year.
Ilia Topuria, after vacating his featherweight title, aims to earn a lightweight title fight, although Makhachev insists he must first defeat a top contender at 155 pounds.
Dustin Poirier is contemplating one final fight, potentially in his home state of Louisiana, as speculation grows about his retirement plans.
Islam Makhachev has expressed interest in fighting Gaethje or another fresh opponent, while dismissing immediate title contention for Topuria.
The lightweight division's top fighters, including Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, face challenges in aligning timing and opportunities for their next bouts.