Islam Makhachev Defeats Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, Captures Lightweight Title

Islam Makhachev won the UFC lightweight title with a second-round submission win over Charles Oliveira.

Makhachev showed from the beginning that he is more than just a wrestler. The champion was going to have to work with his vaunted grappling in a round that proved he was going to have his hands full from the beginning.

The striking was important in the lead up to the finish. Makhachev hit Do Bronx with a two-punch combination that floored them.

Makhachev jumped on the choke that drew the tap.

The Russian has won 11 fights in a row. He has been working his way up since he started the streak.

Makhachev is trained by the man who used to hold the spot that is now held by him.

The legacy of his friend remains to be seen, but he already wants to challenge another UFC champion.

The backup fighter was Alexander Volkanovski. In his defense against Gaethje, the lightweight title was left vacant.

The winner of the fight was in the center of the cage when he met him.

Makhachev is willing to go to Australia in 2023 to defend his belt against the winner of the gold medal match.

Why wouldn't you? Makhachev said he would fight Volkanovski in Australia. I traveled to Australia once. I can come back again.

Picking up his first title defense against a fighter of Volkanovski's caliber would only serve to further cement his status as a champion.