Giga Chikadze picks fighter previously scheduled to fight both Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev as next lightweight title challenger - "I don't think there is any question about who’s next"
While recent reports have claimed Alexander Volkanovski is next up for a lightweight title shot against either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira, UFC featherweight Giga Chikadze believes Beneil Dariush should be next in line.
The UFC's 155lb division is arguably the most stacked weight class in the world of mixed martial arts, but there is a lot of confusion among lightweight fighters. While there are countless contenders all battling for a shot at gold, it seems the featherweight champion will be jumping the line ahead of other competitors.
In a post on social media, Giga Chikadze demanded that Beneil Dariush be given a lightweight title shot ahead of Alexander Volkanovski if he is to get his hand raised this weekend:
"JFI [just for information], Beneil Dariush had scheduled fights with Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev and both got canceled. I don't think there is any question about who's [the] next lightweight title contender after 'Benny' wins Saturday's fight!"
JFI @beneildariush had scheduled fights with @CharlesDoBronxs and @MAKHACHEVMMA and both got canceled. I dont think there is any question about who’s next lightweight title contender after Benny wins Saturday’s fight!
Let’s go brother ⚔️🥷🏼
Beneil Dariush is riding a seven-fight win-streak and, as mentioned by Chikadze, has had fights fall through with the two men involved in the UFC 280 lightweight main event.
The 33-year-old is also scheduled to compete on the Abu Dhabi card in a couple of days' time. He will meet surging prospect Mateusz Gamrot in a title eliminator matchup.
Despite being able to fill in for the 155lb title clash if one of the fighters is forced to pull out, the UFC has instead opted for Alexander Volkanovski to take that spot, with Dana White confirming that the Australian is next up for a shot at the belt.
Who will Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira fight next following UFC 280?
With the prestigious lightweight title on the line and a number of contenders all targeting a shot at the throne, Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira will not be short on options with a win on Saturday.
As we've come accustomed to with the UFC, we could potentially see 'Do Bronx' have an instant rematch against his Russian opponent depending on how the fight plays out at UFC 280.
If this isn't the case, the most likely alternative will be Alexander Volkanovski being gifted the opportunity to move up a weight class to challenge for his second strap in the promotion. Though he may be a featherweight, 'The Great' has earned the chance to create further legacy by joining an exclusive group of champ-champs.