UFC 259: Islam Makhachev calls out Tony Ferguson after dominating Drew Dober to prove he’s real deal
- Russian gets third-round submission with Khabib Nurmagomedov cornering him cageside
- ‘I need a top guy now … I’m ready for anyone,’ Makhachev says
Islam Makhachev showed he is the real deal at UFC 259, wearing down Drew Dober to the point he had nothing left, and earning a third-round submission via arm triangle.
The No 14-ranked lightweight Makhachev (19-1) had training partner and fellow Dagestan fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, and looked every bit as dominant, tough and durable as the seemingly retired 155-pound champ.
After a long lay-off, having not fought since September 2019, the Russian backed up all the hype and proved he deserves to be in the mix among the top five of the division.
“This is not my fault because 2020 very crazy, I lose lot of my close friends and people, I cancel three fights, that’s why long time you don’t see me,” Makhachev told Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview.
“I need top guy now, Tony Ferguson … I’m ready for anyone.”