UFC 280 results: Islam Makhachev takes lightweight gold back to Dagestan by submitting Charles Oliveira, dedicates title win to late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev has realized Khabib Nurmagomedov's late father Abdulmanap's dream. The Dagestani became the undisputed lightweight champion of the UFC with an emphatic submission victory over Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 280.
Going into the fight, MMA pundits had given 'do Bronx' a slight edge in the striking department over Makhachev. However, to the surprise of everyone, Makhachev displayed a refined set of striking skills, even managing to drop Oliveira on one occasion. The 31-year-old did now allow his Brazilian rival to get comfortable with his hands and apply the pressure.
The fight-ending sequence of the fight came courtesy of a right hook from Islam Makhachev that dropped Oliveira. Makhachev rushed in while still being cautious of Oliveira's upkicks and worked his way to a submission. A visibly exhilarated Makhachev was joined inside the octagon by Khabib Nurmagomedov as the pair embraced each other to mark the mission accomplished.
Makhachev's journey was scripted by Nurmagomedov's late father, Abdulmanap, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 57 after battling COVID-19 for several months.
Islam Makhachev dedicates title win to late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is a pioneering figure in the world of mixed martial arts. The Russian military veteran, former judoka and combat sports coach trained a slew of capable fighters, including the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The former UFC lightweight champion has claimed on several occasions that Makhachev was his father's favorite student:
"He [Islam Makhachev] was definitely in the top three. There were guys such as me, I saw a lot of guys come and go in a span of 20 years. We changed gyms but the base was always the same. Islam was 100% top three."
Watch Nurmagomedov discuss Islam Makhachev in this interview:
Years of hard work and dedication have finally paid off for Makhachev and the lightweight division of the UFC has a new champion.
In his post-fight interview in the octagon, Makhachev dedicated his victory to Adbulmanap Nurmagomedov:
"I just want to say this, my belt, [is] for coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Many years ago, he told me, 'Just train hard and you're going to be champion.' And I want to give this belt [places belt on Khabib Nurmagomedov's shoulder]. Him and his father make me."
Watch the full post-fight interview below: