5 potential opponents for Justin Gaethje after his latest setback at UFC 274

Justin Gaethje has once again fallen short at getting the undisputed UFC belt wrapped around his waist. There's no shame in this; there can only be one champion. Moreover, he's lost these opportunities against two of the very best lightweights to compete in recent times. Both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira were able to submit 'The Highlight'.

Charles Oliveira sinks in the RNC on Justin Gaethje after a wild back and forth slobberknocker. 4/4 stars #UFC274

https://t.co/bQWcLk5dia

Though these are shortcomings, they're also testament to how strong Gaethje's will is. He gets knocked down, but he certainly gets back up with a vengeance. At only 33-years-old, the future is still bright for 'The Highlight'.

The two title opportunities Gaethje has rolled the dice on weren't exactly favorable for him stylistically. The division moves fast and there may be a favorable matchup for Gaethje to win gold against down the road. MMA is full of surprises, and it's not time to count the Arizonan out yet.

Here are 5 potential opponents for Justin Gaethje after his latest setback at UFC 274:

#5. Justin Gaethje vs. Beneil Dariush/Islam Makhachev

It's quite unclear what the UFC is wanting to do with the previously booked Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush bout. Dana White has mentioned that he wants to rebook it, but also seems excited at the thought of the Dagestani fighter challenging Oliveira.

Islam Makhachev thinks the champ is ducking him 😳 (via @MAKHACHEVMMA) https://t.co/akOrufPeDf

Assuming that the UFC rebooks this title-eliminator bout, then Gaethje would fit right in to take on the loser of the bout. Both Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev have great wrestling and submission skills, but Gathje has the ability to end the fight at any given moment when he's on his feet.

Furthermore, it wouldn't drop him too far down the ranks. A win against either Dariush or Makhachev would propel him back into the title conversation rather quickly. Though both Dariush and Makhachev are more of the aforementioned unfavorable stylistic matchups, the winner of the two would probably be the quickest route back to the belt for the champion-hopeful.