The lightweight division has a new title contender and his name is Islam Makhachev.
The 30-year-old native of Russia, who is trained by childhood friend and former 155-pound champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, looked just as dominant as “The Eagle” on Saturday when he made quick work of top contender Dan Hooker at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev (21-1) extended his win streak to nine by taking Hooker (21-11) down early and tapping him out via nasty kimura at 2:25 of Round 1.
“Now it’s time,” Makhachev said. “Before, it was like top 11 or top 15 but this guy is No. 6. Now I have to talk. Nine-fight win streak, I am ready for title fight. Please, anyone, it doesn’t matter because this division now is a little bit sleep. I am working hard and have worked this division.”
The early takedown for Makhachev was set up beautifully as he connected with a lead right hook and instantly shot for a double leg. After using his leg to trap Hooker’s head and hold it down, Makhachev cranked his kimura lock even deeper to force the quick tap.
“I know when I take him down, I can finish anyone,” Makhachev said. “My grappling level is much better than all these guys in this division. This isn’t jiu jitsu grappling. This is MMA and MMA ground game, I have the best in this division.”
The loss dropped Hooker, 31, to just 1-3 over his last four fight, with all three defeats coming against elite foes. The native of New Zealand gambled following his September win over Nasrat Haqparast by remaining in the United States and accepting the Makhachev fight on late notice with a short turnaround.
Asked whether he believes next week’s Michael Chandler-Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 268 should produce the next challenger to the winner of December’s Charles Oliveira-Dustin Poirier lightweight title bout, Makhachev made a plea to UFC president Dana White, who was seated cageside.
“They fight for the title many times,” Makhachev said. “They lose and win and they come to make business, but I am coming to take this belt and hold it for many years.”
