Islam Makhachev scored one of the biggest statement wins in recent MMA history at UFC 280, submitting Charles Oliveira in the second round to claim the vacant lightweight championship.

Makhachev won every area of the fight from the opening bell, landing good shots on the feet and scoring an early takedown. Oliveira, the UFC's all-time leader in submission victories, threatened with a few submission attempts but did not manage to lock anything in due to Makhachev's superior positioning.

islam makhachev vs charles oliveira

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Makhachev also landed a few punches in the opening frame that seemed to rock Oliveira. The same thing would happen in the second round, but this time Makhachev did not allow Oliveira to survive.

After a right hand sent Oliveira to the canvas, Makhachev followed and quickly locked in an arm-triangle choke that forced Oliveira to tap out at the 3:16 mark of Round 2.

After the fight, Makhachev, along with coach and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, called featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski to the ring to make an official challenge to face him for the lightweight belt in Australia.

Islam Makhachev def. Charles Oliveira by submission (arm triangle) at 3:16 of round 2: Lightweight title

Makhachev opened the match with some heavy leather that enticed Oliveira to clinch up. The fight quickly hit the floor, with Makhachev on top and actively working to escape a partial triangle. Oliveira used a deep half guard to scramble back to his feet, but Makhachev hit a toss to put him back on the ground. Charles did land a solid up kick from his back, but that was Makhachev’s round.

Makhachev started the second round with some more boxing, and Oliveira landed a few sneaky elbows from the clinch. Makhachev tried to get the fight down, but Oliveira was able to remain standing and return to open space. That’s when a big haymaker from Makhachev dropped Oliveira. Makhachev quickly followed Charles to the ground, and attacked with an arm triangle to prompt a tap! HOLY SMOKES!

islam makhachev vs charles oliveira Today Fight

Today: Islam Makhachev achieved victory by defeating Charles Oliveira