Islam Makhachev is the new UFC lightweight champion.
Makhachev, the longtime student of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov, submitted the submission artist by tapping Charles Oliveira at the 3:16 mark of Round 2.
Afterward, former lightweight champion Nurmagomedov carted Makhachev around the octagon on his shoulders, ecstatic at seeing his longtime training partner and friend climb the lightweight mountain.
Here’s what fighters had to say bout the UFC 280 main event between Makhachev and Oliveira.
I told you guys
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 22, 2022
That boy islam built different that was nasty
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) October 22, 2022
Islam did his thing! Fully expected a sub to come from the other side. #UFC280
— Vince Morales (@vandetta135) October 22, 2022
Champion for a long time to come
— LERONE MURPHY (@LeroneMurphy) October 22, 2022
I didn’t see this one coming
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) October 22, 2022
Wow Olivera gets submitted! This sport is Wild! And sooo Unpredictable #UFC280
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) October 22, 2022
Islam with the sub that was vicious . Oliveira tapped quick ! #UFC280
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) October 22, 2022