5 fighters who could become title contenders with big wins at UFC 267

#2. Islam Makhachev – UFC lightweight contender

Islam Makhachev can cement himself as a title contender with a win at UFC 267

There’s probably an argument to suggest that Islam Makhachev is already deep in the title picture in the UFC lightweight division right now.

The Dagestani is ranked at No.5 in the division, is riding a lengthy eight-fight win streak and already has a reputation as the heir to the throne of his teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, it’s not really a stretch to suggest that Makhachev still has a little to prove before he really becomes a genuine contender for the UFC lightweight title.

His win streak has been impressive, but he hasn’t really defeated a true elite-level opponent just yet. There are also still a number of fighters, like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler, ahead of him in the queue.

That could all change if Makhachev can win impressively this weekend. He’s finished his last two opponents, Drew Dober and Thiago Moises, via submission, but neither man could be considered as tough as Dan Hooker, who he’s set to face at UFC 267.

If Makhachev can get Hooker out of the octagon before the final buzzer, something only managed by Michael Chandler and Edson Barboza in the UFC, then any questions over whether he’s for real would be completely answered.

If that’s the case, then the Dagestani would have to be considered a very genuine threat to the UFC lightweight champion in 2022.

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#1. Khamzat Chimaev – UFC welterweight contender

Khamzat Chimaev can leap right back into title contention with a win at UFC 267

Outside of the fighters competing for UFC gold this weekend, the fighter with the most pressure on his shoulders at UFC 267 is probably Khamzat Chimaev.

‘Borz’ made his UFC debut in 2020. Following three quickfire and impressive wins in a row, he essentially became the hottest prospect in the promotion, bar none.

A mooted fight with Leon Edwards in late 2020 could’ve moved him into title contention back then. However, a nasty case of COVID-19 knocked him out of the clash and forced him onto the shelf for over a year in the process.

This weekend, though, Chimaev is set to return to the UFC. Faced with Li Jingliang, ‘Borz’ not only has a chance to return to the octagon with a bang, but he’s also got a chance to knock off his first ranked opponent, too. If the Chechan-born Swede can do that, then he’ll almost certainly find himself ranked in the top 10 next week.

More to the point, given that UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman has been knocking off contenders in quick succession, there’s a chance that Chimaev could even find himself in line for a title shot after just one more win.

'The Leech' certainly won’t be an easy out for him. Jingliang is an excellent grappler, with heavy hands too. He knocked off Santiago Ponzinibbio in his last fight. However, based on what Chimaev has done before, who could doubt him?