Islam Makhachev has been elected the UFC’s lightweight champion. He defeated the most prominent BJJ specialist in company history.
Makhachev secured an arm-triangle choke in order to be crowned champion UFC 280Before dedicating his win to Khabib Nurmagomedov and calling for Alexander Vokanovski as the featherweight champion, he thanked his mentor.
It wasn’t long until the UFC 280 main event hit the floor, as Oliveira dropped to his back and welcomed Makhachev into his guard.
Unlike most, Nurmagomedov’s protégé was more than willing to test his BJJ skills against the Brazilian submission specialist and it was clear to see why as he dominated the fight while it was on the mat.
Makhachev demonstrated that he’s more than just a wrestler by showing off his speed, which clearly earned him the respect of Oliveira.
In round two, ‘Do Bronx’ tried to push forward but ate a massive punch that dropped him to the floor. Justin Gaethje decided to allow Oliveira, who had injured him at UFC 274 in July, to get up. Makhachev then followed him to the ground and took the win.
Oliveira was forced to leave in a shockingly close fight at Etihad Arena after the Russian 31-year-old quickly secured an arm-triangle choke.
During his emotional post-fight speech, Makhachev handed his belt off to ‘The Eagle’ who proceeded to take the mic and call for his protégé to defend his newly acquired belt against Alexander Volkanovski in Australia.
‘The Great’ left his cageside seat and entered the Octagon to confront Makhachev before gladly accepting the offer to fight when the UFC returns to Perth on 12 February 2023.
Volkanovski weighed 155 lbs, just ahead of UFC 280 who was acting as a backup to the main event. Volkanovski had dominated the featherweight category for many years.
Tonight was a very intense moment for Makhachev, the long-time 145lb king. He will now attempt to become a two weight champion.
