I could see DC going back down to LHW to fight Jones, but I think it's a more intriguing fight at HW. I know Jones may or may not have been on something in the first 2 fights, but we saw how that fight goes twice now at LHW. I get DC wanting to revenge those losses, but I'd still rather see it at HW.
If Nate were to beat Conor, it would be a minor version of GSP getting a title shot. Big name jumping the line. But at least he would have that big win in the division before getting the title shot.
I think WW is pretty weak right now, actually. Not that there aren't good fighters, but outside of Colby, there aren't any deserving title challengers. Woodley demolished Till. RDA, Wonderboy, and Lawler are all coming off losses. Usman has only beaten Maia in the top 15. Maia is coming off a string of losses. Magny hasn't beat anybody currently in the top 15. Masvidal has 2 losses in a row. Ponz has a nice string of wins, but has only beaten Nelson in the top 15.
RDA vs. Usman is happening, so maybe you can make a case for the winner of that getting the next title shot after Woodley blasts Covington into orbit. But I wouldn't object to GSP getting it. At least that is the division that GSP reigned over for like 7 years. I don't think GSP wants anything to do with Woodley, though.
IF Khabib beats Tony, I think the next fight (if he doesn't retire) would be a Conor rematch. Especially if Conor picks up a win in the meantime. But projecting that far into the future is usually futile. So much can happen with injuries, upsets, etc. There's a lot that needs to shake out before GSP should get an immediate title shot at LW is my point.
Well DC has said it's LHW, not HW. Apparently JJ told UFC he wants that too. Then apparently he'll get Cormier's HW belt but I think no time.
As for 170, Woodley cleared out a few guys but RDA and others are still top end even if Colby outworked him. Usman is interesting too.
GSP doesn't care about Woodley. Honestly, I barely do. No disrespect to Woodley but he has 3 defenses, 1 draw since winning. 2 of the 4 fights were vs same guy. GSP really doesn't care about him. He's said his stock isn't high enough. If GSP beats Khabib and wins a 3rd division people will call him GOAT. If he beats TW people will say "Best Welterweight of all time!". It doesn't have same impact. GSP may lose, may win, who knows. He literally just does not care. When Woodley has 5-6-7-8 defenses and if GSP is still in the game he'll call to fight him. Woodley isn't close to best WW of all time. Why would he be? It's way too early.
Yeah Conor will get a rematch eventually if Khabib stays but Tony should be next. Only fair. GSP fitting in will depend on how active Khabib is. Right now I'd say these are the important guys in that division:
Tony F
Khabib N
Conor M
Dustin P
Kevin L
Al I
Nate D
My opinion:
Tony vs Khabib
Kevin vs Al(it is happening but not super important)
Conor vs Diaz(can happen) Or Poirier vs Diaz(was scheduled already)
Which leaves either Conor or Dustin free. Let's assume Dustin vs Diaz is rescheduled.
Conor can fight some irrelevant fight anywhere. Also, Holloway, Silva, whatever.
If Khabib beats tony that addresses Tony.
If Kevin beats Al he may be close to title shot since Al faced Khabib. If Al wins there will be no rematch yet.
If Poirier beats Diaz he would be in contention for after Tony if McGregor doesn't jump line on him.
If Diaz wins, meh.
I could there being Tony, Poirier, Lee and McGregor as next 4 in line IF all win but maybe Lee doesn't. Maybe Conor's next experiment backfires, etc... Realistically 2-3 fights for Khabib by mid next year and GSP can challenge in one year's time. Hell, GSP might eliminate one of these 4 guys if he actually does come down and face one for a title shot.