Home » UFC » “I think he is a better version of Khabib” – Ali Abdelaziz showers heaps of praise on Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s lightweight division

Islam Makhachev has been untouchable over the last 6 years. Since a defeat against Adriano Martins at UFC 192, way back in October 2015, Makhachev has not lost a single fight.

He is currently on an 8-fight winning streak, mauling opponents with ease.

A steady climb to the top has seen him break into the top 5 of the lightweight rankings. He is now a couple of wins away from getting a shot at lightweight gold.

Islam Makhachev is called the next Khabib Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev poses on the scale, weighing in during the UFC 208 weigh-in inside Kings Theater on February 10, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York.(Photo by Anthony Geathers/Getty Images)

With UFC 267 fast approaching, Makhachev will be looking forward to seeing off the ever-ready Dan Hooker. A crucial matchup for the Russian.

Elsewhere, Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz spoke to TMZ in an interview and made a bold claim that Makhachev was better than his predecessor Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Here is what the Dominance MMA CEO had to say about Makhachev:

“I think he’s going to be one of the greatest fighters ever. I think he’s a better version of Khabib. I truly believe he is. He’s not now, but he can be, and I think he’s a future world champion, for sure.” [via BloodyElbow]

Can Islam Makhachev run through the tough-as-nails Dan Hooker?

Dan Hooker is a warrior. It is hard knocking him out. He is long and tall for a lightweight. His striking and reach are his strengths.

Makhachev will be hoping that his superior ground game gets him past the Kiwi.

Dan Hooker and Islam Makhachev
Dan Hooker and Islam Makhachev

Hooker is coming off a mighty quick turnaround. Only last month he fought Nasrat Haqparast.

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