At UFC 280, Islam Makhachev proved everyone just how legit he was.
Last weekend’s main event featured one of the most anticipated UFC title fights in recent memory. Lightweight’s most impressive streak holders, Makhachev and former champion Charles Oliveira, were finally able to get on with it, and unfortunately for Oliveira, it wasn’t as competitive as he would have liked.
Makhachev’s former American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) teammate Daniel Cormier called the action that night. Even though he has direct experience with Makhachev in the training room, Cormier was still very surprised by the performance under the brightest spotlight.
“He did it to a Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira who was fit, who was prepared, but he knew exactly what he had to do and I thought that was shown very early in the fight,” said Cormier. DC and RC.
“I was in the triangle of that kid’s arms. It’s so tight. The moment he was able to clear the guard, Charles Oliveira tapped, and I’m telling you, it was one of the best performances ever. more dominant than we’ve ever seen from a challenger.
Oliveira had a few early moments and per UFC Stats managed to land the most strikes of any of Makhachev’s opponents, albeit only 19. In the end, Makhachev’s phenomenal wrestling pressure was too much for him to overcome. the majority of the fight.
“Do Bronx”‘s incredible submission threats were halted with relative ease before he was let go in round two and ended in a triangle arm choke. Makhachev did exactly what he said he was going to do and now the community is largely in agreement that a long new era at the top of the perpetually stacked 155-pound weight class could unfold.
“I will say that without a shadow of a doubt about Islam,” Cormier said. “He was always the best guy in the room. We all thought if he could do the same kind of skill and lead the way that he shows in the octagon training room, he would be the best in the world. Now I’m not saying he’s better than Khabib [Nurmagomedov], I’m just saying that he has always been so good. But he was never able to pick it up and do it in the octagon as well as he did inside the gymnasium.
“The only thing that surprised me was that when I talk to these guys…and I’m talking about Charles, Islam, Aljo, TJ Dillashaw, Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan, I had never seen six guys who were so sure they were going to win. Charles Oliveira thought he was going to knock this guy out in the first round. Islam Makhachev immediately said, “I’m going to submit Charles Oliveira. Even me, when I was talking to him, I I was like, ‘Islam, you can’t believe you’re just gonna walk through this guy.'”
End. Jose Aldo explains why no opponent would convince him to delay MMA retirement
Bantam-weight. Marlon Vera: Sean O’Malley got ‘a giveaway decision’ over Petr Yan but still deserves next title shot
Difficulty. Boxing judge accused of fight-fixing by Jake Paul joins Eddie Hearn in $100m defamation lawsuit and seeks separate damages
Match. Anthony Smith responds to Nikita Krylov’s call: ‘Yes, I’m totally depressed’
Expect. Dana White and USADA confirm Conor McGregor needs 6 months of drug testing before UFC return
Anticipation. Jon Jones says he’s ‘getting ready to fight’ Stipe Miocic at UFC 282: ‘I’m ready to compete!’
Support. Calvin Kattar backs Alexander Volkanovski over Islam Makhachev: ‘He has a chance against everyone’
Problem. Anderson Silva’s latest training session has a controversial ending
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Display of rankings. MMA Fighting’s Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck and Jed Meshew discuss the latest move.
He handled it well.
Let’s go.
Contest time.
Yoooo is giving away 2 free tickets to UFC282 in Vegas. All you have to do is make me a fighter poster or video for my fight and include Ounce Upon A Coconut. The winner will be chosen next month! Tag anyone who might be interested pic.twitter.com/YmUYa062b5
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) October 25, 2022
Ahead.
Get creative with nicknames.
Hi Alljizzlame. Your last 3 fights.
1. Beat Yan via Oscar
2. Gifted Dec via Guilt
3. Hate crime against a disabled combatantSign the contract . @funkmasterMMA
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) October 25, 2022
Fair point.
Why is Colby number 2 again? Because he lost to Kamaru twice? should start calling it Buffalo Bills. Famous for losing 4 Super Bowls in a row pic.twitter.com/7r0Qgj4zL4
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 25, 2022
Fast.
Here it is.
I just watched the fight, definitely won. ❤️
— Sean O’Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) October 26, 2022
Strong season.
Band work.
Joshua Weems (10-2) vs. Christian Rodriguez (7-1); UFC Vegas 63, October 29
I’m not sure it’s #1, but Makhachev’s victory is definitely up there in this conversation.
Thanks for reading!
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