Islam Makhachev submitted Charles Olivera in the second round to become the new lightweight champion at UFC 280.
In the most highly anticipated card of the year, the former champion Olivera, who had his belt stripped due to missing weight at UFC 274, faced Islam Makhachev, on a ten-fight win streak.
With Olivera never knowing when he was beaten, and Makhachev dominating every opponent he has faced, it was a fascinating matchup that delivered on the night.
After dominating the first round in grappling, Makhachev dropped Olivera with a powerful right hook, before Olivera tapping to a arm triangle submission.
FATHER'S PLAN COMPLETED. 🏆@MakhachevMMA TAPS OUT OLIVEIRA! 🤯
🏝️ @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/U2tdKnuLLF— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 22, 2022
In a heartfelt moment after receiving the belt, Makhachev delivered a heartwarming gesture, giving the belt to his cousin, coach and dear friend Khabib Nurmagomedov, while also paying tribute to Khabib’s late father following his passing in 2020.
Both Khabib and his father had viewed Islam Makhachev as the future lightweight champion and he repaid them for their faith tonight.
"Him and his father make me."
🏆 @MakhachevMMA dedicates this victory to the tutelage of @TeamKhabib and the late, great Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
🖥️ Watch #UFC280 LIVE NOW on BT Sport Box Office! pic.twitter.com/AZ1zZZjqt2— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 22, 2022
The drama didn’t stop there, as he called out current UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for his first title defence in Australia in February, with the Australian accepting.
Across the main card, it was an exciting night that delivered after much anticipation. In crazy scenes in the Bantamweight title bout, Aljamain Sterling defended his belt with a second round stoppage over former two-time champion TJ Dillashaw.
Dillashaw’s shoulder popped out early in round one, and was compromised in a fight that continued for far too long as Dillashaw was defenceless to Sterling’s punchless.
ABSOLUTE domination from the champ! 🙌@funkmastermma remains the Bantamweight Champion after a two-round clinic against TJ Dillashaw 👏🏆#UFC280 | BT Sport Box Office pic.twitter.com/seT7VMgDrO
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) October 22, 2022
He revealed to Daniel Cormier after the fight that his shoulder had been a problem since April, and apologised to the rest of the division.
Sterling’s next title defence could be against the popular Sean O’Malley, who defeated Petr Yan in a controversial split decision victory.
One of the biggest stars in the UFC, O’Malley passed the biggest test in his career in the fight of the night.
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