5 reasons why Islam Makhachev deserves the next UFC lightweight title shot instead of Justin Gaethje

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#4. Islam Makhachev is on a nine-fight winning streak

Islam Makhachev is on an epic run in the lightweight division. Conversely, Justin Gaethje got back into the win column after putting on a fighting clinic on Michael Chandler at UFC 268. Despite Gaethje coming off an exciting performance, Islam Makhachev has put in years of work to one day fight for gold.

Since 'The Highlight' fought and failed to procure the title, it seems fitting for some new blood to emerge into the 155-pound title picture. Islam Makhachev's massive winning streak makes a compelling case as to why he should be fighting for the title next.

During his impressive winning streak, Islam Makhachev has beaten some legitimate athletes. Islam Makhachev's last three wins have come by finish and all within the same calendar year in 2021. In addition, Makhachev has earned notable victories against Arman Tsarukyan, Thiago Moisés, and Drew Dober.

When comparing the winning streaks of Gaethje and Makhachev, it's clear that Makhachev should earn the title shot over 'The Highlight'. Additionally, it's important to note that Islam Makhachev has yet to realize his first title opportunity, while Gaethje already has.

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#3. Islam Makhachev has put on title worthy performances

Recently, Islam Makhachev was paired with Dan Hooker. The two met on Fight Island. Overall, the event was a turning point for the career of Islam Makhachev. The pair of lightweights were on a collision course after Makhachev's opponent, Rafael dos Anjos, bowed out due to injury.

After bloody wars with Dustin Poirier and Paul Felder, 'The Hangman' became a fan favorite for his willingness to mix it up anytime. When Hooker took the Makhachev fight on short-notice, the fight ended in a flash. Islam Makhachev entered the octagon possessed, and it took less than three minutes to get a nasty submission.

Makhachev's grappling sequences overwhelmed Hooker's defense. Despite Hooker's improvements to his wrestling base, Makhachev capitalized while the two were striking. While the pair were throwing hands, Makhachev advanced to a double-leg takedown. Shortly after getting the fight to the mat, Makhachev torqued on a kimura submission until the referee pulled them apart.

After the kimura victory, it became crystal clear that Makhachev is ready to fight for a title. The performance was title worthy because it was total domination. Moreover, Islam Makhachev still has eight other performances where he walked away victorious. Makhachev's last three finishing victories are a more convincing argument for gold than Gaethje's last decision win against Chandler.