Islam Makhachev defeats Charles Oliveira by submission at UFC 280
The United Arab Emirates ABU DHABI — Islam Makhachev’s regaining of the lightweight championship seemed destined to happen ever since Khabib Nurmagomedov resigned from mixed martial arts two years ago as the undisputed champion. On Saturday, that time came.
Charles Oliveira was submitted by Islam Makhachev
Charles Oliveira (33-9) was submitted by Islam Makhachev (23-1) at UFC 280 at the Etihad Arena to win the 155-pound title. The arm triangle choke was used to end the fight at 3:16 in the second round. Oliveira, who had an 11-fight-winning run broken, submitted to the choke after being struck in the back by a right hand.
The win confirmed the “Father’s Plan” that Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have long alluded to. Abdulmanap, Nurmagomedov’s late father, always hoped that Nurmagomedov would retire as champion and Islam Makhachev would continue where he left. Abdulmanap passed away in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 problems.
Islam Makhachev takes on UFC Undisputed Lightweight Belt
Just to let coach Abdulmanap know, this is my belt, Islam Makhachev remarked. He advised me to practice hard and become a champion many years ago, so I did. When Makhachev, 31, won, Nurmagomedov, who was in his corner, instantly pulled him into the air. Islam Makhachev attempted to give Nurmagomedov the belt.
In a sense, Islam Makhachev’s job has just begun. Alex Volkanovski, the current UFC featherweight champion and widely regarded No. 1 pound-for-pound champion, is predicted to be his next opponent. Volkanovski (25-1) has declared his intention to increase his weight after his fourth title defense in July.
In February at UFC 284, the title vs champion matchup is very probably going to happen. The pay-per-view tournament will take place on February 12 at Perth, Australia’s RAC Arena, Volkanovski’s native nation.
Islam Makhachev has Unique Fighting Techniques
Many of Makhachev’s prior triumphs in the UFC were duplicated in this one. He has the same fighting philosophy as his illustrious partner and coach, Nurmagomedov. His dominating ground game, which he has used to dominate nearly everyone he has faced, served as the catalyst for this battle at UFC 280. The champion vs. champion matchup will likely occur at UFC 284 in February. In Volkanovski’s native Australia, the RAC Arena will host the pay-per-view event on February 12.
Many of Makhachev’s past UFC triumphs were duplicated in this victory. He shares a style with his illustrious colleague and coach, Nurmagomedov. The tone for this bout at UFC 280 was established by his suffocating ground game, which has allowed him to dominate nearly everyone he has faced.
It marks Makhachev’s fifth straight victory by submission, and the most recent came against the fighter with the most victories by submission in UFC history. Islam Makhachev stated, “I often question God why he always provides me more than what I ask.” “I was aware that it wouldn’t be an easy battle. Always pushing is this person.”
