Who deserves to fight for the UFC Lightweight title against Dustin Poirier? Charles Oliveira or Michael Chandler?

 

After his enormous upset victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 257, Dustin Poirier will without a doubt be one half of the fight for the UFC Lightweight title. While we still are unsure as to what current champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will do in terms of his retirement, his recent statements indicate more and more that he will indeed vacate. Should this occur then we have to consider who will be stepping into the cage to take on Poirier who has undoubtedly earned his second crack at the championship. The two primary contenders are without question Charles Oliveira and UFC newcomer Michael Chandler. Let's take a look at the arguments for each man and break them down.

When making a case for the best UFC debut in history, it is difficult to look past Michael Chandler's first round finish of Dan Hooker at UFC 257 followed by his Ric Flair style callout. Whilst Chandler is certainly not an unknown entity in MMA, his stint in Bellator had always raised questions surrounding his ability to take on the higher calibre fighters in the UFC. At the Etihad arena he silenced his doubters as he made quick work of New Zealand's Dan Hooker to cement his status as a serious Lightweight contender.

 The consideration for Chandler as the next title challenger is one that has been met with backlash from fighters who believe that it would be unfair for Chandler to jump over the current crop of athletes at the top of the division, and I have to say I agree with their reaction. Chandler has proved outside of the UFC that he is in the elite circle of Lightweights, as a champion in Bellator and now showing that he is capable of hanging with the big boys in the UFC. However, does one victory against a fighter in Dan Hooker who is coming off a loss to none other than Dustin Poirier and ranked outside of the top 5 substantiate Chandler's demands to fight for the belt? In my opinion, the fight to make for Chandler is against previous title challenger Justin Gaethje, as that would truly be an indication of his talents against the division's top fighters. In Gaethje, Chandler would face a fighter with a similar background in wrestling, whilst being able to compete with the explosive power of the former number 1 contender. Should he defeat Gaethje then there would be little opposition to him getting the next title shot but to say he deserves the chance to fight for the belt after only one fight in the UFC does not seem right in my eyes.

The fighter who I believe deserves the shot to fight for the belt is Charles Oliveira. Currently riding an 8-fight win streak that includes victories over the likes of former Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson, Oliveira is currently ranked above Chandler at number 3 in the division. The manner in which he was able to dominate Ferguson over their 3-round contest at UFC 256, as well as his incredibly well rounded skill set make him in the eyes of many the next in line for a crack at the belt. A UFC fighter since 2010, his recent surge to the top of the Lightweight division as well as a stint at Featherweight, has allowed Oliveira to prove himself as one of the most adept Jiu Jitsu grapplers in the promotion, but more recently showcasing incredible developments in his stand-up. The way in which he was able to piece up Kevin Lee before submitting him testament to his technical abilities. Furthermore the way his strikes flowed into takedowns and submission attempts against Tony Ferguson was truly a thing of beauty. 

They say styles make fights, and the possibility of having Poirier, a fantastic boxer and BJJ black belt, facing off against Oliveira, a black belt himself with a proficiency to fight outside of his opponents range, is mouthwatering! The reality is that whatever transpires at Lightweight guarantees an incredible matchup. Chandler with another victory deserves his shot at the belt, but not before Oliveira in my opinion. Both men have credible claims for their deservedness to fight for the championship, but Oliveira's recent performances and time in the promotion make him the rightful contender in my eyes. Either way we are promised a barnburner so it will be exciting to see what plays out in the Lightweight division in 2021!

~ James Eakin

Image Credits: [Centre] "Charles Oliveira", UFC. Available at: https://www.ufc.com/athlete/charles-oliveira [Accessed Jan '21]