ISLAM MAKHACHEV became the UFC lightweight belt after stunning Charles Oliveira to follow in the footsteps of his master Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The Dagestani destroyer and former champion Oliveira squared up in the main event of UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night. Oliveira had lost the title on the scale in May.
Since Nurmagomedov retired two years ago, Makhachev has been widely predicted to become the next lightweight champion.
And he accomplished what many thought was his destiny by brutally submitting former champion Oliveira in the second round.
Happy Makhachev exclaimed: “I must first state that no matter what I ask of God, he always gives me more than I could ever hope for. Alhamdulillah.”
Added him: “I put in a lot of training for this. I prepared for that moment all my life, starting when I was a young child. I would like to thank you.”
Oliveira attempted a jumping front kick to start the match, but it was far off target.
Do Bronx quickly recovered, but soon found himself devouring a large left hand.
Submission expert Oliveira moved the fight to the ground in an effort to test Makhachev’s ability to grapple.
He launched a triangle that Makhachev blocked after landing a good elbow from the bottom.
Makhachev was content to work in the previous champion’s guard as he sought to advance his position.
Oliveira was able to stand up again and pressed Makhachev up against the barricade.
Nevertheless, he quickly returned to the canvas thanks to a big hip toss.
Despite Makhachev slowly but steadily starting to stand up and eat elbows before the round’s end, Oliveira was able to force him back into his guard.
The second was started by Oliveira charging down AKA star Makhachev, who just missed with a powerful straight left.
#UFC280 ISLAM T'ES GRAND T'ES TRÈS GRAND BORDEL HADJDJSJJSJEJZJEJZJ pic.twitter.com/f7ct4gliiv
— Batsman ???????????????? (VOLKAN DEMIREL FENER'E) (@_Kya78) October 22, 2022
Makhachev blocked the takedown attempt against the fence as Oliveira attempted to ground the fight but was only able to score with an elbow.
Before starting again in the middle of the octagon, both fighters landed knees in the clinch.
Soon after that, Makhachev successfully landed a left hand-right hook combination. Oliveira was knocked to the ground by a powerful left hook a short while afterwards.
Makhachev seized the chance to secure a hold and searched for an arm triangle.
The second was started by Oliveira charging down AKA star Makhachev, who just missed with a powerful straight left.
Makhachev blocked the takedown attempt against the fence as Oliveira attempted to ground the fight but was only able to score with an elbow.
Before starting again in the middle of the octagon, both fighters landed knees in the clinch.
Soon after that, Makhachev successfully landed a left hand-right hook combination. Oliveira was knocked to the ground by a powerful left hook a short while afterwards.
Makhachev seized the chance to secure a hold and searched for an arm triangle.
He said: “I didn’t see this short guy. Let’s bring him here.”
After entering the cage, a confident Volkanovski: “Let’s do it! The lightweight on the line, the pound-for-pound on the line. Let’s do it.”
