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HIDALGO, TX – SEPTEMBER 17: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates his victory over Chris Wade in their lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at State Farm Arena on September 17, 2016 in Hidalgo, Texas. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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HIDALGO, TX – SEPTEMBER 17: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates his victory over Chris Wade in their lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at State Farm Arena on September 17, 2016 in Hidalgo, Texas. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
After defeating Dan Hooker with extreme ease, Islam Makhachev has succeeded in proving his talents as an extraordinary fighter. With 21 wins and just 1 loss in his entire MMA career, Makhachev seems to have the potential to become one of the greatest UFC fighters.
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Just like any other fighter, Makhachev too wants to fight for the title. However, many people are of the opinion that Makhachev has barely cracked the top ten fighters among his division, and hence, his title fight can wait. On the other hand, many fans believe that Makhachev is a proven commodity and deserves a shot at the title.
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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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Will Islam Makhachev get a shot at the UFC lightweight title?
At UFC 268, Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler will fight for the #1 contender position. Justin Gaethje last fought against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 for the title and lost. Similarly, Michael Chandler fought Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 for the title and lost. Both fighters are coming off of previous title fight loss. Their bout at UFC 268 will decide which fighter gets another title shot.
However, Makhachev did not forget to point out that both fighters got a chance at the title but lost. He wrote on Twitter, “Both been there last fight, both got finished… keep talking @UFC.”
Both been there last fight, both got finished… keep talking @ufc https://t.co/BaArkmwzV0
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) November 5, 2021
During the UFC 268 pre-fight press conference, when Dana White was asked if Makhachev would get a title shot over Gaethje or Chandler, White pointed out that both Gaethje and Chandler had higher rankings than Makhachev. Chandler was quick to answer, too.
He said, “We don’t care what he [Islam Makhachev] says. We don’t care what he says. Saturday night me and Justin Gaethje get after it. We’re the number one contender. It’s the number one contender fight.”
As Gaethje and Chandler will fight for the number one contender position, it seems that Makhachev will have to wait a little longer for his title shot. Perhaps defeating fighters from the top 10 or top 5 can earn him the title bout.
Do you think Islam Makhachev should get a title fight? Whom should he defeat to get a shot at the title? Let us know in the comments below.
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