Islam Makhachev pushed his chances for a title fight after a dominating performance against Dan Hooker. The Russian fighter took the Kiwi down early and, within no time, caught him in a Kimura lock.
Even before the fight, many were asking for a title shot for Makhachev if he got past Hooker. After a performance like that, UFC will definitely be forced to listen to the demands. This was Makhachev’s ninth win in a row and 10th win via submission.
GIVE THIS MAN HIS RESPECT!!!@MakhachevMMA with the round 1️⃣ kimura.
[ #UFC267 | Tune in LIVE on @ESPNPlus | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/DP6S7EPRYc— UFC (@ufc) October 30, 2021
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After winning the fight, Makhachev demanded a title shot for his next fight. He even celebrated with Hasbulla, who was at the event to support him.
Hasbulla the real goat!!!!@MAKHACHEVMMA @UFC #UFC267 pic.twitter.com/ckBYObTckX
— GIPHY Sports (@GIPHYSports) October 30, 2021
This was his third fight this year, and it was also his third win via submission in 2021. After a win against the number 6 ranked Dan Hooker, he for sure can think of getting a title shot next.
Twitter erupted after Islam Makhachev’s win
Many people believe Makhachev is Nurmagomedov’s successor in the lightweight division. And with a performance like that, there won’t be many doubters left. The Russian showed his superiority on the mat and didn’t let his opponent settle. After taking Hooker down early, he sprawled to find the right position to secure that Kimura lock to earn the finish in just 2 minutes and 25 seconds of the first round.
His win at UFC 267 got people excited and even got a reaction from UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Wow @MAKHACHEVMMA is on another level #UFC267
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) October 30, 2021
According to many, with this win, Makhachev got closer to a title fight for sure. People even called him a beast.
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Islam Makhachev is a beast.
Pass it on.#UFC267 pic.twitter.com/RDA4LrMM8X
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) October 30, 2021
Islam Makhachev is on a roll and definitely deserves the respect of the MMA community. However, if he will get a title shot or not is something that everyone will get to know soon.
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The UFC 268 match between Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje will play a huge role in deciding this.
What did you make of Islam Makhachev’s performance? Should he get a title shot next? Let us know in the comments!