My Official Prediction for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes! Plus, Does Paddy the Baddy Have an Advantage Over Michael Chandler?

On today’s episode, Ben Askren says Sean O’Malley made a huge mistake accepting a rematch with Merab Dvalishvili—but I’ll tell you where I disagree, and what’s going to be different this time around. Then, after spending plenty of time trying to figure out the right next opponent for Ilia Topuria, I’m turning the question over to the listeners—who should he fight next? Meanwhile, with reports that Islam Makhachev is waiting on the outcome of Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena before deciding his next move, I’m assuming he’s eyeing a jump to welterweight. So what does that mean for the rest of the lightweight division? Also, Paddy Pimblett made it clear in a recent interview that a win over Michael Chandler won’t be enough for him to have a title shot—and I think it was stupid for him to say so. That said, I also explain why Pimblett may have the advantage over Chandler when they meet on Saturday. And finally, my official prediction for the featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

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CHAPTERS:

• Askren: Merab vs. O'Malley rematch a mistake (00:00)
• Who should Topuria fight next (7:15)
• Makhachev waiting on Belal vs. JDM (13:29)
• Pimblett talks out of title fight (23:04)
• Pimblett’s advantage over Chandler (31:10)
• Official prediction: Volkanovski vs. Lopes (38:43)