Subsequent up for Khabib? There is a clear path ahead

Pound-for-pound lists are subjective. There’s by no means been an official No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on this planet — though UFC mild heavyweight champion Jon Jones has in all probability been the closest factor for awhile. Maybe not anymore.

Undefeated light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov turned in one other spectacular efficiency on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, submitting interim champ Dustin Poirier through rear-naked choke within the third spherical of their title unification bout at UFC 242.

After the victory, Nurmagomedov mentioned he believes he is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. And whereas there is not any definitive reply as as to if he is proper, it is exhausting to argue towards him.

So what’s subsequent for (perhaps) one of the best fighter on the planet, in addition to the opposite high names from UFC 242? This is ESPN’s take.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, light-weight champion

Outcome: defeated Dustin Poirier through third-round submission

Subsequent: Tony Ferguson

If Nurmagomedov doesn’t battle Ferguson subsequent, what was this all for, guys? What have we been doing? That is the battle: a 28-Zero report vs. a 12-fight win streak within the UFC. Nurmagomedov takes a sick pleasure in making his opponents drained and breaking their will. Ferguson takes a sick pleasure in strapping weights to his again and sprinting up mountains in Large Bear, California.

This has been the No. 1 battle I’ve wished to see for what appears like three years now. Not solely do I consider it is marketable if the UFC places its effort behind it, I feel it is downright necessary. If this battle would not occur, we’re turning our collective backs on the legitimacy of rankings, titles, competitors — all of it. This battle calls for to be made.

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Zero:19

Khabib Nurmagomedov controls Dustin Poirier with grappling and hits him with some ground-and-pound late in Spherical 1. For extra UFC, join right here for ESPN+ http://plus.espn.com/ufc.

Dustin Poirier, light-weight

Outcome: misplaced to Nurmagomedov through third-round submission

Subsequent: Paul Felder

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Poirier was heartbroken on Saturday — and contemplating the kind of competitor he’s, that feeling in all probability will not subside anytime quickly — however there are loads of positives to remove from his UFC 242 expertise. For one, as a lot as Saturday’s battle was comparatively one-sided, Poirier did create two large alternatives towards Nurmagomedov (a tough punch to the chin within the second spherical, and a guillotine within the third). That is not a lot of a comfort prize for him, I am certain, however it’s higher than what most have accomplished towards Nurmagomedov.

Poirier’s inventory went up amid all of this. He is nonetheless extremely ranked. He is nonetheless 5 months faraway from beating Max Holloway, a high pound-for-pound champ himself. I would really like to counsel Poirier battle Conor McGregor a second time, however I am by no means certain whether or not to rely McGregor as an lively fighter or not. Felder is coming off a win and on the lookout for a top-five opponent. The boxing kinds of those two would make for a really enjoyable battle.

Paul Felder, light-weight

Outcome: defeated Edson Barboza through cut up choice

Subsequent: Dustin Poirier

See above. The UFC would not love reserving somebody coming off a win towards somebody coming off a loss, however I feel it will possibly make an exception right here.

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Edson Barboza slips out of a submission from Paul Felder and the 2 alternate strikes on the ft within the co-main occasion of UFC 242. For extra UFC, join right here for ESPN+ http://plus.espn.com/ufc.

Outcome: defeated Shamil Abdurakhimov through second-round TKO

Subsequent: winner of Junior dos Santos vs. Alexander Volkov on Nov. 9

Blaydes is a troublesome one to guide proper now. He has roughly dominated UFC competitors. He is 7-2 with 4 finishes, and he has the kind of offensive wrestling that can make an opponent look very, very dangerous if his protection is lower than par. Blaydes says he needs to be the heavyweight Khabib Nurmagomedov, and whereas I would not say he’s fairly there but, it is an bold, comprehensible aim.

He is already ranked within the high 5, and the names above him are slightly in flux. He isn’t getting a title shot at Stipe Miocic. Daniel Cormier could or could not retire, however both method, he is not combating Blaydes. Francis Ngannou has already overwhelmed him twice. After which there’s dos Santos, who’s proper beneath Blaydes in ESPN’s heavyweight rankings. Blaydes mentioned Saturday he is at a degree in his profession the place he’d be keen to attend fairly than merely take a battle simply to battle. If that is the case, go house. Chill out. Spend time along with your daughter. And wait to see what occurs on Nov. 9 between JDS and Volkov.