Islam Makhachev saw off Dan Hooker in no time, and celebrated his win with Internet sensation Hasbulla
Islam Makhachev breezed past the dangerous Dan Hooker at UFC 267 to record his ninth successive win in the UFC.
The number 5 ranked lightweight lived up to his billing as the overwhelming favourite to assert his authority as a future title challenger.
In fact, his title fight might be really close, with just a couple of fighters ahead of him in the rankings.
No sooner did his fight against Hooker start than Makhachev shot for the takedown. Following a successful takedown, Makhachev got to work and executed a kimura in a couple of minutes.
Hooker had no option but to tap, even as his face showed immense disappointment.
An ecstatic Makhachev celebrated his victory with Internet sensation Hasbulla who was out there to support him.
Following his win, Makhachev made his claim for a title fight. He has only a few fighters ranked ahead of him, and it almost looks like he is levels above any other lightweight.
What next for Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev has got Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and champ Charles Oliveira ahead of him.
Of the five, only Oliveira and Gaethje have ground game skills enough to challenge the Russian wrestling laden Makhachev.
Gaethje and Chandler will square off next weekend at UFC 268, and a month later Oliveira and Poirier will be fighting for the title.
One more win, and Makhachev would probably find himself a step away from lightweight gold.
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