Islam Makhachev made a successful return to the Octagon in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs Moises. The Dagestani fighter earned a fourth-round submission finish. This was his second submission win this year. He previously won against Drew Dober at UFC 259.
Makhachev has certainly earned the right to call out a top-ranked opponent next. He issued a warning to the rest of the lightweight division in his post-fight interview. The Russian specifically called out the former lightweight champion, Rafael Dos Anjos for a fight next.
"You can run, but you can't hide. I'm coming. I'm here." 💢
🗣 @MakhachevMMA calling out the lightweight division. #UFCVegas31 pic.twitter.com/3LBO542jKq
— UFC (@ufc) July 18, 2021
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“Why do all these guys run, nobody wanna take this fight, please give me answer. You took this fight with RDA before 2 weeks, now I am gonna give him 3-4 month. Let’s do this. Hey guys, you can run but you can’t hide. I am coming, I am here,” said Makhachev.
Makhachev was previously scheduled to fight Dos Anjos. But an injury meant that fight had to be canceled. He has been gunning to get that fight re-booked since. And with two back-to-back dominant performances, he has certainly earned his right to call for a fight against the Brazilian again.
Makhachev showed a new layer to his game in this fight as well. He dominated Moises on the feet and then took the fight to the ground, which is his territory. It was a dominant showing from him, to say the least.
Who should Islam Makhachev fight next?
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Makhachev is expected to fight one more time before the end of the year. And needless to say, he deserves a cream of the crop opponent next. A fight against Dos Anjos certainly makes sense. The Brazilian is a big name and will give Makhachev the perfect platform to showcase himself to the world.
Also, because they were actually set for a fight before, the contest makes even more sense. Makhachev certainly showcased himself in his first main event. Who is next for him in the Octagon, remains to be seen.
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