Islam Makhachev of Russia compete against Davi Ramos of Brazil in their Lightweight Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Islam Makhachev vs Michael Chandler might be the next fight to make in the lightweight division
Submission specialist Islam Makhachev had to toil hard before he could beat the tough-as-nails Thiago Moises.
After having dominated the Brazilian on the ground, Makhachev finally went for a rear-naked choke in the fourth round of the fight, thereby submitting Moises.
He would have expected the fight to end before that, but Makhachev would take that W.
At the post-fight interview, Makhachev pointed out fighters like Rafael dos Anjos ducking him, while putting forth the question – “Why all these guys run?”
Brett Okamoto of ESPN has learnt that Makhachev might be interested in a few other names as well. The Dagestani has gone on to name Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson as the other names he is currently interested in.
Okamoto tweeted:
“Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) tells me he his ideal next fight would be Michael Chandler. Interested in Rafael dos Anjos and Tony Ferguson, as well. He also says he thinks Dustin Poirier will be the champion, when he gets his shot at a UFC title.”
Both Chandler and Ferguson are coming off losses. While Chandler lost a title fight to Charles Oliveira at UFC 262, Ferguson lost to Beneil Dariush that same night.
The last time Islam Makhachev lost, Donald Trump had not even become the President of the US. It was 2015, at UFC 192, when Makhachev was knocked out by Adriano Martins.
There was no looking back from there for the Russian, as his marauding ground game has improved in leaps and bounds since then.
He has been on an absolute tear since then, raking up 8 wins on the trot. It wouldn’t be a big surprise if the Dagestani grabs hold of the lightweight title in a couple of years.
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