UFC 262 crowned a new lightweight champion as Charles Oliveira was able to knock out Michael Chandler in the second round of the event’s headliner. In the co-main event, Beneil Dariush extended his win streak to seven with a decision win over Tony Ferguson. Today we will be looking at what is next for the winners of UFC 262.
Charles Oliveira
Oliveira has a few options for his first title defense. The first option would be the winner of Conor McGregor versus Dustin Poirier. Justin Gaethje is also looking for a fight and Beneil Dariush is going to be breaking into the top five. Dustin Poirier seems to be the front runner if he can beat McGregor. Oliveira’s best matchup stylistically would be fighting Poirier. All three of those options probably have a decent advantage in the striking department. Poirier seems to have the best ground game out of the three.
Oliveira’s next fight: Winner of Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier
Beneil Dariush
If Oliveira fights the winner of McGregor-Poirier in his next fight, Dariush should fight Gaethje for the next number one contender’s spot.
Gaethje has a tough style for Dariush. He has great takedown defense, he has great striking and he can take a shot and give one back. It would be interesting to see if Dariush can continue his win streak against a top-level contender such as Gaethje.
Dariush’s next fight: Justin Gaethje
Rogerio Bontorin
Rogerio Bontorin won a unanimous decision over Matt Schnell at UFC 262. He came into this fight ranked at number nine in the flyweight division one spot behind Schnell. Bontorin should be looking to get a fight in the top five for his next fight. Joseph Benavidez is currently ranked number five in the division and is riding a three-fight losing streak. He has been hurt on the feet in all three of those losses so it will be a breathe of fresh air to fight a guy like Bontorin who will be looking to grapple.
Bontorin’s next fight: Joseph Benavidez
Katlyn Chookagian
Katlyn Chookagian won via decision over Viviane Araujo this past weekend at UFC 262. Chookagian is 3-2 since 2020 only losing to Valentina Shevchenko and Jessica Andrade. Lauren Murphy will be fighting Joanne Calderwood in her next fight and that is most likely going to be a number one contender fight. The loser of that fight should fight Chookagian next and that would keep the winner of that fight in contention for the title within the next year.
Chookagian’s next fight: Loser of Lauren Murphy-Joanna Calderwood
Edson Barboza
Edson Barboza knocked out Shane Burgos in the third round to open the UFC 262 main card. This win makes Barboza 2-1 since returning to featherweight with his only loss being a split decision to Dan Ige. For his next fight, Barboza should fight Giga Chikadze. This would be a match made in heaven. Both men have great kicks and are known to finish fights with their feet. Chikadze is 6-0 in the UFC and just recently defeated Cub Swanson.
Barboza’s next fight: Giga Chikadze
