Jul 28, 2018; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) defeats Kajan Johnson (red gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The Islam Makhachev era has arrived, fulfilling the guarantee made by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, as he defeats Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 to become lightweight champion
Almost exactly two years to the date that his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, retired following his last successful title defense, Islam Makhachev is now a champion in his own right.
Makhachev submitted former champion Charles Oliveira, who was looking to regain the belt, in the second round of their UFC 280 main event to capture the vacant championship.
Islam Makhachev out-grapples and submits Charles Oliveira to captrue the lightweight championship at UFC 280
Oliveira looked to come forward and press early but ate a straight from Makhachev early. Oliveira initiated a takedown attempt but ended up on bottom from a reversal by Makhachev. A transition battle that saw Makhachev attempt to get a mount resulted in Oliveira slipping out and pressing Makhachev against the cage. Makhachev, however, quickly got the fight back to the ground. Makhachev remained in control throughout the round despite a late upkick from Oliveira.
The two traded in close to start the second round, with Oliveira looking to score his own takedown again. Oliveira and Makhachev remained on their feet, with Makhachev holding his own despite Oliveira’s better-striking capabilities.
With about two minutes left in the second round, Makhachev dropped Oliveira with a right hook before locking in an armbar, getting the tapout and the gold.
Following the fight, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski entered the Octagon and appeared to make a champ vs. champ fight with Makhachev officially for UFC 284 on Feb. 11 in Australia.
