Despite two title fights at UFC 267, it was by most measures Islam Makhachev’s night. Makhachev yet again showed off his enormous skill, dominating Dan Hooker and ending the fight via kimura. Long touted as the successor to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s towering legacy, Makhachev declared that he wants a run at the lightweight title as soon as possible.
He told the post-fight press conference exactly how he feels. “Next fight, it has to be for the title, or a contender fight, because I have a nine-fight winning streak.
Islam Makhachev Demands UFC Title Shot
Who in my division have this? Just the champion. “And I feel my division is a little bit asleep right now. I have to wake up my division, because we have to change some things. The old guys from the top-five, they’ve already fought for the title – [Michael] Chandler, [Justin] Gaethje. That’s why we have to change something.”
Gaethje and Chandler are set to face off in a number one contender decider next week, but Islam feels that he has done enough to leapfrog both, or take the winner of their fight.
“They have to give me a chance. Dana has to give me a chance.” Islam Makhachev was greeted like a homecoming hero at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Far from feeling forgotten, he found himself in front of a very friendly crowd.
He was more nervous watching his teammates Zubaira Tukhugov and Tagir Ulanbekov fight on the card ahead of him than he was about fighting Dan “The Hangman” Hooker.
“They make me a little bit nervous. Both fights were both crazy. I was sweating too much; I watched both fights in the hotel. But in the arena, I’m not an amateur guy. I have big experience in MMA, that’s why I use this support, because all of the arena came to support me, and I know I have to show my best.
I told you before, I can strike with him, but I know the easy way. That’s why I choose this way. I know his ground game is not so good.
Now, I’m going to be like, No. 3 or No. 4, so I don’t know [if it’s going to be easier to get fights]. I’m ready to fight for the title. But it they give me some other step, I’m ready for anyone.”
Do you think Islam Makhachev can fight for the lightweight belt? Let us know in the comments.
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