An important piece of UFC lightweight business was conducted last weekend as, over a suffocating round-and-a-half leading to an arm triangle finish of Dan Hooker, Arman Tsarukyan proved he remains among the division’s most dangerous contenders despite an 18-month layoff.

Now, it’s clear Tsarukyan ought to fight for the title in 2026. Yet he may not be the first to do so as the UFC has been positioning the immensely popular Paddy Pimblett for the next crack at Ilia Topuria’s crown for months.

Could Tsarukyan’s performance on Saturday change the calculus? Possibly. Either way, the top of the division is crowded, which leaves the rest of the top-10 in need of work to sort out the next level of contenders.

So, let’s look at some lightweight fights the UFC could make in the new year to help

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