Islam Makhachev continues to make his case for a title shot after another dominant performance.
On Saturday, Makhachev (21-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) took on Dan Hooker, a short-notice replacement after his originally scheduled opponent, former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, suffered an injury. Makhachev would not take long to finish his opponent.
The lightweight bout was part of the UFC 267 main card at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. It streamed on ESPN+.
The fight started in what seemed like would be a feel-out process as both fighters tried to find the range, but then Makhachev landed a right hook, shot in for a takedown, and put Hooker (21-11 MMA, 11-7 UFC) on his back just 40 seconds into the round.
From there, it was all Makhachev as he stayed heavy on top and began working to isolate Hooker’s right arm. Despite his best efforts to adjust and defend the attempt, Hooker could not escape. Makhachev stepped over Hooker’s head and cranked to secure the verbal submission, as Hooker’s other arm was trapped under his body.
GIVE THIS MAN HIS RESPECT!!!@MakhachevMMA with the round 1️⃣ kimura.
[ #UFC267 | Tune in LIVE on @ESPNPlus | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/DP6S7EPRYc
— UFC (@ufc) October 30, 2021
During his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Makhachev made his intentions for his next outing loud and clear. “How many fights now, nine?” Makhachev asked. “Now I’m ready for a title shot.”
It's time! @MakhachevMMA makes his claim for championship material!
[ #UFC267 | Tune in LIVE on @ESPNPlus | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/BR91BWuhJd
— UFC (@ufc) October 30, 2021
Makhachev makes it nine straight victories under the UFC banner and likely closes out his calendar year with three wins. Earlier in 2021, Makhachev defeated Drew Dober and Thiago Moises, both via submission. During his current streak, Makhachev entered each bout as a favorite, proving oddsmakers correct in their assessments.
Hooker comes up short in a quick turnaround from his unanimous decision victory over Nasrat Haqparast a month ago. After dealing with work visa complications hindering his ability to travel to and from New Zealand, Hooker decided to take the fight against Makhachev.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 267 results include:
- Islam Makhachev def. Dan Hooker via submission (kimura) – Round 1, 2:25
- Alexander Volkov def. Marcin Tybura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Khamzat Chimaev def. Li Jingliang via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:16
- Magomed Ankalaev def. Volkan Oezdemir via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Amanda Ribas def. Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Zubaira Tukhugov def. Ricardo Ramos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Albert Duraev def. Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Benoit Saint-Denis via unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
- Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Shamil Gamzatov via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:31
- Lerone Murphy def. Makwan Amirkhani via knockout (knee) – Round 2, 0:14
- Andre Petroski def. Hu Yaozong via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 4:46
- Tagir Ulanbekov def. Allan Nascimento via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
