Russian lightweight Islam Makhachev became the new UFC lightweight champion with a landslide victory over former division champion Charles Oliveira.
The title fight headlined at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi ended at 3:16 of the second round after Makhachev dropped the Brazilian with a counter right side kick and then lunged at the shocked opponent to finish him with a hand triangle choke.
The starting five-minute period also remained with the Russian, who confidently dominated the ex-champion both in the standing and on the ground.
After the official announcement of the winner, the belt was presented to the new champion by the former holder of this title, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who prepared his friend for this fight.
In a post-match interview, Islam Makhachev announced that he dedicates the victory to his coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, without whom he would not have taken place as a fighter, and Khabib Nurmagomedov added that now they are ready to go to Australia to defend the championship belt against the best fighter in the world, regardless of weight class Alexander Volkanovski, named the next contender for the UFC lightweight title.
The Australian, who holds the UFC featherweight title, was present in the hall and entered the octagon, confirming his readiness to hold a superfight.
Recall that the strongest league in the world will return to the Australian continent with the UFC 284 tournament, which will be held February 11 in Perth.
