What will be next for the Lightweight Division in 2018?
As the end of the year approaches and we prepare for the last card of 2017, we have a big bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov Vs Edson Barboza which will shape the division. But how will this shape the division as Interim titleholder Tony "El Cuyuy" Ferguson is recovering from recent elbow surgery and the world awaits the return of Lightweight Division King, Conor Mcgregor.
The lightweight division has been up and down, also a little unclear without the champion has not been around. Since Conor defeated Eddie Alvarez back at UFC 205 on November 12th, 2016, we have not seen him in action. Besides of course the "Mcgregor Vs Mayweather" boxing match that took place this year. It was rumored that "El Cuyuy" Tony Ferguson was gonna finally take on Conor Mcgregor at UFC 219 for the title but Conor got into an incident at another promotion Bellator where he jumped into the octagon to celebrate a win with another fighter but things got out of control and out of hand fast as Conor's temper showed.
He ended up pushing an MMA referee and it was said that he slapped the commissioner, this was the incident that supposedly got the Ferguson Vs Mcgregor title bout scrapped.As #2 ranked Khabib Nurmagomedov gets ready to meet #3 ranked Edson Barboza this fight can very well be setting up a fight in 2018 with the winner either taking on Tony Ferguson or Conor Mcgregor if these 2 contenders do not finally meet. Eventually, they must as Tony is the Interim Titleholder and Conor is the champion of the division.
These are the 4 guys at the top of what is considered to be the best division in the world and they all want the same thing. Khabib could very well meet Tony before he gets close to Conor, or Edson could have his rematch with Tony and try to redeem the loss. Either way, the division must be patient and wait until "The Notorious" Conor Mcgregor returns to the UFC Officially. WIth Conor being in the news so much (and not for the right things) these events can keep delaying the return of the Champion as the division is held up.
Tony, Khabib, and Edson all in their own ways deserve a shot at the real title, but who will it be? when will it be? Are the rumors of Conor vs Khabib in Russia still a thought? What about Khabib Vs Ferguson finally going down after they were scheduled to meet more than once. Who knows, only Dana haha, we will just have to wait and see the outcome of this monstrous finale card of the year and see what goodies 2018 has for us.