UFC 280: Etihad Arena; Abu Dhabi
Like they say “defense wins championships”. In the words of Khabib Nurmagomedov 22 years of training together has brought the heir apparent to his destination. Becoming the new UFC lightweight champion. With Islam Makhachev (who might need a nickname now), tapping Charles Oliveira Nurmagomedov’s father’s plan comes true. As Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s number one student has him smiling up above.
In cinching in an arm triangle at 3:16 of round-two it ended the Brazilian’s impressive 11-fight win streak. And brought his own win streak to that number. Makhachev didn’t necessarily run through Oliveira, but the fight was made on his terms and pretty easily at that.
Oliveira does have more tools, but he does usually get clipped at least once; and this time it cost him. Makhachev is a smart defensive fighter and jumps on an opportunity when one opens. A right dropped the 33-year old with the Dagestani jumping on him for the finish. Despite that; he may be back sooner than later looking for revenge.
Father’s Plan Comes True; But How Long Can Makhachev Hold The Strap
Being blunt about it; as long as he wants to. With him not over-extending himself he will be hard to beat. Especially with all the top lightweights being more offensive minded. And he’s not wasting time in looking to build on his rising legacy.
Nurmagomedov never fought anyone outside the division. His protege instead of calling out Beneil Dariush or saying he wanted the winner of Mike Chandler and Dustin Poirier he pulled a bit of a surprise. Both Makhachev and Khabib talked about wanting the number-one pound-for-pound slot in calling out Alexander Volkanovski in Perth Australia.
If Dana White gives it a thumbs up it might be an even easier fight. Yes, Volkanovski has a much better resume, and is a dog. But Makhachev at least as of now doesn’t have many holes. “The Great” had teased coming up to lightweight, but a better plan might have been a Top-3 opponent first. Volkanovski has way more power in his hands but he’ll need pinpoint aim to sit the Dagestani. And although his wrestling is solid; Makhachev is at another level on the ground.
As far as the 155ers go, maybe two-three years down the line he might get real challenges by Rafael Fiziev or Mateusz Gamrot.
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