Number five-ranked UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev continues to inch his way into UFC title contention. On Saturday at UFC 267, the 30-year-old Dagestani competitor extended his win streak to nine by defeating fellow top-ten contender Dan Hooker via first-round submission.
Naturally, everyone at Makhachev’s stateside home gym at the American Kickboxing Academy was in a celebratory mood. Former double-champ and UFC commentator Daniel Cormier was one of those who vocalized his excitement towards his longtime training partner.
Give @MAKHACHEVMMA the title fight! I don’t even need to see who wins next week.