Daniel Cormier isn’t sure who’s next for UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, but he expects it to surprise people.
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) is slated to make his next title defense Oct. 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. With the top lightweight contenders either booked up or unable to make that date, Cormier thinks Makhachev could end up fighting someone unexpected.
Charles Oliveira knocked off streaking contender Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 but said he won’t be ready for UFC 294. Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje will rematch for the “BMF” title in the UFC 291 headliner on July 29, but after a Fight of the Year in their first bout in 2018, Cormier doubts they will come out unscathed.
“I think Islam Makhachev will next fight against someone that is not even necessarily on our radar,” Cormier said on his ESPN show “DC & RC.” “It’s supposed to be the winner of Gaethje vs. Poirier, but I do not believe that those guys will come out of that fight clean and be healthy enough to put a title fight right that soon.
“I also know that Charles Oliveira has already told the UFC he’s not fighting in October. We’re going to have to go down the lightweight rankings and find some other guy, and people are going to be very disappointed. It’ll be the No. 4, 5, or 6 ranked guy that’s going to get a title shot because there just will be no one else.”
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski underwent elbow surgery but expects just six weeks of rehab. Volkanovski was edged out by Makhachev at UFC 284 and has been eager for a rematch.
With seemingly no fighter 100 percent ready to go for UFC 294, Makhachev turned his attention to welterweight champion Leon Edwards, but Cormier doubts the UFC will entertain that fight.
“I don’t know who he’s going to fight, but someone’s about to get a blessing because there will be no one else,” Cormier said. “He will not fight Leon Edwards. I don’t think the UFC is going to allow him to be in two title superfights without having to defend the championship one time yet (against a lightweight).”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
