Bubble Busters: The Lightweights
Bubble Busters is a limited series examining each division for on-the-bubble MMA contenders who operate just outside of Top 10 contention and outlining their potential paths to ranked recognition. From skills fighters could improve to possible matches for which they should campaign, we attempt to solve the riddles associated with crossing the contender threshold. Next up, the lightweights.
Diego Ferreira: Since he moved to Fortis MMA and began training under Sayif Saud, Ferreira has had the look of a man on a mission. He has rattled off six straight wins, his run highlighted by a signature victory over former Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Extreme Cagefighting titleholder Anthony Pettis that should result in his being matched with an even higher level of competition moving forward. Ferreira’s standup has noticeably improved, but his bread-and-butter skills remain on the mat—a point he drove home with his second-round submission of Pettis. Can the Brazilian capitalize on his newfound momentum and cement himself as a primetime player in one of the UFC’s most talent-rich divisions? Prior to his contentious loss to Dan Hooker, Paul Felder was at the top of his game closing in on contention at 155 pounds. A Felder-Ferreira could reveal much.
Islam Makhachev: The Russian standout has been nearly perfect since he made his UFC debut in 2015, as he has compiled a 7-1 record to move within striking distance of the top of the lightweight division. Thanks to his relationship with 155-pound champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and his boisterous presence on social media, Makhachev has ruffled many feathers. However, preferred opponent Kevin Lee was recently victimized by Charles Oliveira, increasing the difficulty in finding a high-profile dance partner willing to take the risk. With his travel status uncertain due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 28-year-old would be wise to look toward a late summer-early fall timeframe for his return. One potential litmus test: Beneil Dariush. The Rafael Cordeiro protégé has faced his share of adversity inside the Octagon, but he has also matched wits with elite competition. A four-fight winning streak makes Dariush an even more attractive target.
Beneil Dariush: The Kings MMA export owns a 12-4-1 record in the UFC, and after posting consecutive victories over Thiago Moises, Drew Dober, Frank Camacho and Drakkar Klose, he once again finds himself knocking on the door to the Top 15. An older and wiser Dariush appears poised to make another run at the divisional elite following his most recent win—a firefight with Klose that ended in a one-punch knockout and earned the 30-year-old “Performance of the Night” honors. A longtime Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, his standup skills seem to be catching up to his world-class grappling chops, a frightening thought for the rest of the weight class. Perhaps the time has finally come for Dariush to maximize his potential.
Related Coverage »
• Bubble Busters: The Heavyweights
• Bubble Busters: The Light Heavyweights
• Bubble Busters: The Middleweights
• Bubble Busters: The Welterweights
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