Makhachev quickly submits Hooker for 9th straight win, calls for title shot
Islam Makhachev continued his dominance at 155 pounds Saturday, making it more apparent than ever that he's one of the best in the lightweight division.
Makhachev submitted Dan Hooker with a kimura at the 2:25 mark of the first round at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Russian took Hooker down 40 seconds into the fight and quickly established a dominant position. He cranked on Hooker's arm, and Hooker tapped out, unable to defend the submission.
Makhachev said afterward he should be next in line for a title shot against the winner of the bout between champion Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier scheduled for UFC 269 in December. He said Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler - who square off in a lightweight bout on Nov. 6 - have had title opportunities in the past and suggested he would offer a fresh, more exciting matchup.
"I am ready for title shot," Makhachev said in his post-fight interview, according to MMA reporter Ariel Helwani. "This division is a little bit sleep."
Makhachev, 30, extended his winning streak to nine fights and is now 21-1 as a professional. He's ranked No. 5 in the division and is a teammate of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Hooker, 31, stepped in on short notice for the injured Rafael dos Anjos. He competed at UFC 266 - the promotion's most recent pay-per-view event - on Sept. 25, defeating Nasrat Haqparast by unanimous decision to snap a two-fight skid. He did not return home to New Zealand, staying in Las Vegas to prepare for the Makhachev fight.
"The Hangman" has dropped three of his last four fights.