Islam Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira to be crowned UFC lightweight champion in Abu Dhabi
Makhachev won UFC gold in Abu Dhabi. © Chris Unger / Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev has become Russia’s latest UFC champion after defeating Brazilian rival Charles Oliveira in the second round of their lightweight title fight in Abu Dhabi.
With Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, Makhachev emulated his friend and mentor by capturing the title once owned by his fellow Dagestani.
Makhachev, 31, has now written his own passage of UFC history, dominating Oliveira before securing a submission win at 3:16 minutes into the second round at the Etihad Arena.
Competing in the biggest fight of his career, Makhachev had faced questions over how he would handle the pressure against Oliveira – a more experienced rival who has ripped through the UFC’s lightweight elite on his recent outings to the octagon.
But – just as Nurmagomedov had predicted – Makhachev shone under the bright lights in Abu Dhabi.
The Russian dominated from top position in the first round of the contest, before rocking Oliveira with a right hand to drop him to the mat midway through the second round.
From there, Makhachev worked in an arm triangle submission as Oliveira tapped – bringing an end to the Brazilian’s five-year unbeaten run in the UFC and ushering in Makhachev’s reign as lightweight champion.
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