The UFC lightweight division has never been more interesting than right now. With Islam Makhachev vacating his title to chase welterweight gold against Jack Della Maddalena, the 155-pound weight class has turned into the Wild West overnight. Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria are set to battle for the vacant title at UFC 317, but what about the rest of the top contenders? Specifically, what’s next for ‘The Highlight’ Justin Gaethje?<\/p>
The former BMF champion finds himself in an enviable position as one of the division’s most exciting fighters. He is not currently booked for a fight, but he is certainly not lacking options. Two fighters have emerged as the frontrunners for Gaethje’s attention: Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan.<\/p>
Gaethje’s next opponent will likely determine who gets the first crack at whoever emerges as champion between Oliveira and Topuria. Both Pimblett and Tsarukyan have made compelling cases for why they should be the one to face Gaethje. Their styles would create wildly different matchups – Pimblett’s chaotic aggression versus Tsarukyan’s technical dominance. The UFC<\/a> matchmakers now face an interesting dilemma: go with the surging star power of Pimblett or the technical excellence of Tsarukyan? Let us break down both fighters’ cases and see who has the better chance of landing the coveted Gaethje fight.<\/p>