5 reasons why UFC 267 could be the best event of 2021

#4. Khamzat Chimaev's biggest test in the UFC to date

In 2020, Khamzat Chimaev became one of the UFC's biggest breakout stars. Three consecutive stoppage victories over John Phillips, Rhys McKee and Gerald Meerschaert made him an instant favorite.

UFC Fight Night: Chimaev v McKee

However, at UFC 267, Chimaev will face his first major step up in competition. He will compete against a ranked opponent for the first time when he takes on Li Jingliang on October 30. 'The Leech' is a rising prospect himself and is coming off a brutal KO victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio.

This fight will determine whether Khamzat Chimaev truly is the next big thing, or if he is yet another fighter who has been hyped up off the back of a few impressive performances.

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#3. Dan Hooker has a chance to shock the world

At UFC 266, Dan Hooker made it to the U.S. with only a day to spare. He then went on to put in a dominant three-round performance against Nasrat Haqparast and claimed a unanimous decision victory.

UFC 266: Hooker v Haqparast

Rather than taking the next available flight back to his home country of New Zealand, Hooker instead signed a contract to step in and face Islam Makhachev at UFC 267 just a month later.

Makhachev had initially been scheduled to fight Rafael dos Anjos. However, the Brazilian was forced to drop out after sustaining an injury. Dan Hooker is now stepping up to face one of the most feared lightweights in the UFC on only one month's notice. A win here for 'The Hangman' would shock the world.