5 fights to make in the UFC lightweight division

#4. Justin Gaethje vs. Gregor Gillespie

Gaethje (pictured) and Gillespie are ranked no. 3 and no. 8

When former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira missed weight on Friday, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Justin Gaethje to claim the gold. Instead, he was quickly submitted in the first round for the second time in two title fights and now faces a long road back to title contention.

While Gregor Gillespie might seem like an odd choice of opponent, it actually makes plenty of sense. Gillespie has been campaigning extensively for an opponent above him in the rankings. Gaethje would provide him with that and finally allow the UFC to figure out just how serious a contender he might be.

A win for Gillespie would shoot him straight into the title conversation, whilst a loss would allow more active fighters to overtake him in the rankings. For Gaethje, it would give him the chance to prove he is better than his title fight performances and begin to once again get some momentum on his side.

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#3. Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler

Chandler (pictured) and Poirier are ranked no. 5 and no. 2

Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler are two of the more intriguing members of the lightweight division's top five. Both men have had some huge wins in recent times but neither quite makes sense as title contenders right now given their losses to Charles Oliveira.

With both men trying to get back into the title picture, a fight between them would allow us to see who is more deserving of that spot. It would also be somewhat of a dream match between two of the best UFC lightweight fighters.

This is a fight that makes sense in the rankings, is sure to be an entertaining affair and would help further raise the profile of both fighters. Both Poirier and Chandler seem to be on the verge of breaking through to the mainstream and this big-time matchup may be the perfect opportunity for both men.

While Chandler recently shot down Poirier as a potential UFC opponent, it's hard to imagine that he wouldn't be able to be persuaded.