Since Islam Makhachev reclaimed the lightweight title, it felt like a foregone conclusion. There was a moment on Saturday.
Makhachev won the UFC's 155-pound title when he submitted Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. The finish happened at 3:13 of the second round. He tapped to the choke after he was dropped by a right hand.
"Father's Plan" is what the two men have referred to as. The late Abdulmanap thought that his son would retire as champion and Makhachev would pick up where he left off.
Makhachev said this was his belt for Abdulmanap. He told me many years ago that I would be champion.
Makhachev tried to give the belt to Nurmagomedov, but he lifted him into the air after the victory.
The work has yet to begin for Makhachev. Alex Volkanovski is expected to be his next opponent. After his fourth title defense in July, Volkanovski has decided to move up in weight.
There is a good chance that the champion vs. champion fight will take place in February. The pay-per-view event will be held in Perth, Australia.
Many of Makhachev's previous victories in the UFC were similar. He has the same style as his mentor. His ground game has dominated almost everyone he has fought and it set the tone for this fight.
Every time the two were close to each other Makhachev's skill and physical strength was on display. He was in control for more than five minutes in a fight that ended at 8:16.
He dropped Oliveira with a counter right hand and followed him to the floor, something very few of his previous opponents were willing to do because of his submission threat.
The man with the most submission wins in UFC history will be facing Makhachev for the fifth time.
Makhachev asked why he always gets more than he asks. I knew this was going to be difficult. The guy is always pushing.