Who should get to fight for the welterweight title next vs Islam Makhachev?

[svmr_db]

Who do you want the UFC to give the shot to?

#3 - Michael Morales
Last fight - KO win over Sean Brady

#4 - Shavkat Rakhmonov
Last fight - Decision win over Ian Garry

#5 - Carlos Prates
Last fight - KO win over Leon Edwards

#6 - Ian Garry
Last fight - Decision win over Belal Muhammad

#8 - Kamaru Usman
Last fight - Decision win over Joaquin Buckley

 

[Pequeño Corey]

Machado.

 

[BEATDOWNS]

Machado.

Ian Machismo

 

[RichardHarrow]

Shavkat is definitely the biggest threat so I choose him. I want to see a threat and neither Garry nor anyone else poses that.

 

[Alpha_T83]

I think Ian Garry should be next, even though I think he loses. The buildup and shit talk will be entertaining.

Sadly, I think Islam's team is going to just sit out and wait for Usman or Topuria. I'll be happy to be wrong about that though.

 

[svmr_db]

Shavkat is definitely the biggest threat so I choose him. I want to see a threat and neither Garry nor anyone else poses that.

Garry can point fight Islam into a living death.

Shavkat fight is intriguing but I don't think it's in his best interest to step right into a title fight after over a year inactive. Let him shake the rust off vs someone like JDM or Usman imo & if he wins that then he can fight for the title.

 

[fortheo]

Shavkat or morales.

Ian can fight Jack and prates can fight usman.

 

[Dagestanaev]

Shavkat.

Then Morales and Prates

 

[JustOnce]

I think Usman. I think that actually might be the toughest fight. People are saying Usman is shot, but he had the closest fight with khamzat who's running over every human being that put in front of him DDP included. I mean Usman arguably beat Khamzat on a short notice. I don't think he did but still.

I think that might be the most compelling fight ina way. All the other fights are striker-grappler fights.

 

[Pequeño Corey]

Shavkat is definitely the biggest threat so I choose him. I want to see a threat and neither Garry nor anyone else poses that.

Do you have any concerns about the time away and the injury?

 

[JKS]

I honestly think that Usman is the best option right now in terms of a current top fighter and a big name. Critics say that Usman is old and past it, but I'd have to disagree. In his last 3 fights at WW, despite being 1-2, he has a pretty clear win over Buckley and his two fights with Leon were very competitive. He was clearly dominating the entire fight prior to the head kick and the rematch was a MD for Leon. And then he fought a competitive fight ending in a MD on short notice at MW vs Khamzat. I think for Islam's reign and legacy at WW, he benefits from fighting a top guy as accomplished as Usman.

I look at the other contenders. And while several are very impressive, there are some things that hold them back. Garry lost to Shavkat, Prates lost to Garry, Shavkat has been inactive, Morales is undefeated, but has the least impressive resume IMO and one more good win would be good for him to elevate his stock. I am just not seeing anyone stand out. I think Shavkat does, but he hasn't fought in a year and prior to that another year.

I think that all these guys would benefit from fighting one more time vs establisehd opponents and then you have a very serious row of contenders.

Islam vs Usman
Shavkat vs Morales # 1 contender
Garry vs JDM
Prates vs Belal

 

[RichardHarrow]

Do you have any concerns about the time away and the injury?

I agree with @svmr_db 's reponse. He needs a tune up fight.

 

[Tweak896]

Hate to say it but Garry deserves it by activity alone. Don't like the guy honestly or have hope, but he has the merits to qualify for everything. UFC will probably push Usman to milk him one more time before he retires though. Personally I think Morales has looked the best of all the WWs in line right now.

 

[Koya]

Contrary to everyone here I'm ok with Usman

If not then Shavkat

If not then Morales