Matchmaker Monday following UFC 257

UFC 257 was supposed to be a big night for Conor McGregor, but Dustin Poirier had other plans.

Poirier entered the fight as a betting underdog after losing to McGregor in 2014. All week he was being over looked. Well when “The Diamond” left the octagon on Saturday, he left victorious as he handed McGregor his first knockout loss of his career.

Now it’s up to Khabib Nurmagomedov to make call on his future as Poirier maybe next for him. If not him, then I’m sure Michael Chandler, who knocked out Dan Hooker in the co-main event may enter his name into the Nurmagomedov sweep stakes.

Now that the event is over and let’s find out what’s next for Poirier, McGregor and Chandler in this talent filled lightweight division.

Dustin Poirier
Result: defeated Conor McGregor by second-round TKO at UFC 257
Next: Michael Chandler for the lightweight championship

Poirier got his redemption and he is in the drivers seat. I mean how can he not be? He just beat the biggest star in the history of the sport and his only loss as of late is too Nurmagomedov.

UFC president Dana White said in his post-fight press conference that Poirier will absolutely be fighting for UFC gold in his next fight.

That leaves us waiting on Nurmagomedov and White said that he did talk to him after the event. According to White, Nurmagomedov said “Come on Dana. Be honest with yourself. I’m levels above all these guys.”

To me that doesn’t sound like he’s not oming back so I’m going to guess he’s not. Also Nurmagomedov is retired, but White is the one trying to convince him not to do it.

So for the sake of the argument let’s say Nurmagomedov is done. Then who do you book Poirier with? We’ll, White answered that too by saying Chandler is most likely going to fight Poirier if Nurmagomedov stays retired.

There you have. Chandler is a stud. He was a longtime Bellator champion. He made a huge UFC debut by steamrolling Hooker in the opening round. I think he’s earned it and have no problem with him going right into that spot.

Poirier doesn’t think Chandler deserves it and wants Charles Oliveira to get the opportunity. Only problem is that White is boss and calls the shots so Poirier vs. Chandler it is.

Conor McGregor
Result: lost to Dustin Poirier by second-round TKO at UFC 257
Next: Nate Diaz

McGregor is in a tough spot. He is still a star and that will never change. The question is what do you do with him after losing two of his last three fights?

His inactivity showed on Saturday and he’s blaming his loss on that. According to him he wants to fight again so I have an idea of how to book his next fight.

The lightweight division is filled with killers who are all active. Don’t rush McGregor into something. The UFC has a blockbuster trilogy between McGregor and Diaz in their back pocket.

That trilogy would sell anytime and anywhere regardless of the circumstances. This maybe the perfect time. Both men are coming off losses and both haven’t been active since their first two meetings. Diaz has been hinting at a comeback and McGregor wants to be active. It just feels like now is the time.

If the UFC doesn’t go this route, look for Tony Ferguson to slid into that role.