A new chapter in UFC lightweight history began on Thursday when Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement was officially recognized by Dana White and the lightweight title became vacant.
It only took a few moments before a new championship battle was discussed. Charles Oliveira (30-8 MMA, 18-8 UFC) will eventually get his UFC gold when he meets Michael Chandler (22-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in a two-point tie for Nurmagomedov’s recently retired band at UFC 262 on May 15.
The moment the landscape changed, of course, made the MMA community grow significantly. For more information, check out the best Twitter reactions to the most important news surrounding the UFC’s 155 pound division.
Smart! Very smart!
Bossman uses the old “Hey, sure, we can just be friends …” strategy.
Not without his own risks, you have to choose the right moment, otherwise Khabib is all “Honest, no, I’m flattered, but I see you more as a brother.”
But don’t count Dana out yet! https://t.co/48UzK87AEO
– Ant Evans (@AntEvansMMA) 19 March 2021
The UFC lightweight division is officially open for business.
Oliveira-Chandler for the vacant title
Poirier-McGregor 3
Ferguson-Dariush
Plus Gaethje, Dos Anjos, Makhachev …
– Nick Baldwin (@NickBaldwinMMA) 19 March 2021
Congratulations on making the first @BellatorMMA V @UFC super fight in the history of the sport! I hope this is the first of many!
– Accept Crypto @ CrisCyborg.Com / store (@criscyborg) 19 March 2021
Khabib Nurmagomedov emerges as the best pound for the best fighter in the world.
He is the only fighter in MMA history to do so. pic.twitter.com/XuLqGCj54M
– MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) 19 March 2021
Happy for both guys. Whoever wins, it’s an incredible story. Either Michael Chandler becomes UFC lightweight king in two fights after a career hint that he was not that good – or Charles Oliveira’s ‘less traveled journey’ reigns. I’m addicted. # UFC262 https://t.co/fW4HpT7Fhu
– Nolan King (@mma_kings) 19 March 2021
I think a Poirier does not care and knows it will come. He’s definitely not part of the conversation.
This bottom-up game is about timing # UFC262
– Damien Brown (@ beatdown155) 19 March 2021
I thought Oliveira should use Nate Diaz to call him out because I thought he would be the one left out in the cold, but I was wrong. Good for him! https://t.co/9LPw5UAbtW
– Simon Samano (@SJSamano) 19 March 2021