Islam Makhachev has beaten Charles Oliviera in Abu Dhabi, to become the UFC’s new lightweight champion of the world.
Competing in his first title bout in the UFC, he had the upper hand against the Oliviera on the ground, before locking him in an arm-triangle choke three minutes 17s in.
With his win streak extending to 11, Makhachev also called out Alexander Volkanovski, with the featherweight champion coming into the octagon to agree to a potential fight in Australia in 2023.
Appreciating Abu Dhabi, he said, “I have to say, Abu Dhabi thank you. I’ve prayed so hard for this moment. I knew this was going to be a very tough fight. I felt the love and support, and this is a very special feeling.
“I didn’t feel any pressure. I’m a professional, this isn’t my first fight. I wanted this so much.”
On his part, Oliveira said he had nothing much to say as Mackachev was simply better at the fight, accepting he was defeated.
“There’s nothing much to say. Today he was better than I was, he was able to get his game going, which was to put me down. And there’s nothing much else to say. We’re fighters, there are days that you’re going to be better than other people and days that they will be better than you.”
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