Islam Makhachev made quick work of perennial lightweight contender Dan Hooker.
In a pivotal fight of his career, Makhachev faced Hooker last October at UFC 267 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
It took Makhachev less than a minute to close the distance on Hooker, throwing an overhand right followed by a takedown. Makhachev dragged Hooker to his corner, where he received instructions from his team. Makhachev suffocated Hooker with his top pressure, eventually latching onto his arm and cinching in a kimura, which forced “The Hangman” to tap in Round 1.
Makhachev (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) returns to action Oct. 22 when he takes on Charles Oliveira (33-8 MMA, 21-8 UFC) for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 280 main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Before he faces Oliveira, relive Makhachev’s finish of Hooker in the video above.
