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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Getty
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Islam Makhachev was scheduled to face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 267. However, the latter pulled out of the fight because of an injury. Surprisingly, the Kiwi fighter, Dan Hooker, stepped in and accepted the fight on very short notice.
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While ‘The Hangman’ is fresh from his win against Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 266, Makhachev is currently on an eight-fight undefeated streak.
Both the men are taking a shot at each other leading up to the fight. Recently, ‘The Hangman’ challenged Makhachev to fight five-rounds instead of three at UFC 267. He wrote, “Let’s make it 5 rounds?”
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The lightweight bout will feature on the main card of the event and will take place before the co-main event. Hence, by default, it is a three-round bout.
However, Makhachev didn’t back down from the challenge. He quickly accepted it with a warning for his opponent. The Russian wrote, “It’s worse for you.”
This lightweight bout is already garnering a lot of attention from the fight fans because of Hooker’s short notice acceptance and Makhachev’s previous performances. With the heat rising between the lightweight combatants, this fight will surely serve as a treat for the combat fans.
Islam Makhachev vs Dan Hooker: What is next for the winner?
Islam Makhachev is one of the most prominent names in the UFC. He has a 20-1 professional record under his name. The #5 ranked lightweight fighter knows that a victory over Hooker will extend his win streak to 9 and earn him a shot against the winner between Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira.
‘The Hangman’, with a record of 21-10, can break into the top 5 if he ends Makhachev’s run. This will result in a title eliminator and huge paydays for the Kiwi in 2022.
Hence, a win in this fight is very important for both the men,
What are your thoughts on Hooker’s challenge? Should it be a five-round contest? Let us know in the comments below.
WATCH THIS STORY: Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker Stats: Record, Height, Reach, and More