“Islam Makhachev is the highest level” – Khabib Nurmagomedov posts a touching tribute for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev
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Khabib Nurmagomedov (bottom) hoists new lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (red shorts) on his shoulders
If there were any impending doubts as to who the greatest lightweight in the world is, UFC 280’s main event gave us an answer. The answer is Islam Makhachev, who dominated Charles Oliveira to a submission victory within ten minutes.
A lot was made of both the fighters of the main event going into the star-studded PPV. It seemed as if Islam Makhachev took into account all of his naysayers, and then, dropped and finished the man who was seemingly unbeatable. For context, many fighters, including Michael Chandler had previously raised question marks about Makhachev’s candidature for the title shot.
There are no question marks left. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s successor to the lightweight throne, Islam Makhachev has showed his mettle. Fittingly, Nurmagomedov chose to shower praise in the form of an Instagram tribute on the new lightweight champion.
He wrote, “I’ve seen a lot of champions and a lot of champion level fighters, but @islam_makhachev is the highest level. My father, then myself, kept saying many times that Islam is the top one, and yesterday we all got convinced in that. And the most interesting thing about all this is that this is just the beginning.”
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski is close to being a done deal
Although no formal negotiations have been entered into yet, the new lightweight champion’s callout of featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski is very likely to go unfulfilled, by the Australian himself, and the promotion.
Right now, the lightweight division has achieved some sort of equilibrium at the top. Assuming Charles Oliveira rightfully employs the #1 spot, Dustin Poirier will be pushed down to #2, and Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler will follow at #3 and #4. Charles Oliveira defeated the fighters ranked #2 to#4, and Islam Makhachev trumped “Do Bronx”, so the title shot picture becomes a little ambiguous.
At #6 is Beneil Dariush, who just defeated Mateusz Gamrot. However, it seems like Alexander Volkanovski gets the nod over the American for the title shot, given how dominating he has been amongst the 145-pounders. Beneil Dariush’s time will come, but first it is time for the UFC to head down under.
UFC 284 takes place in Perth. Without a doubt, Volkonavski will challenge Makhachev for the belt in Australia. The only question that remains to be seen is if the home crowd advantage will play any role in dethroning the frankly indomitable Makhachev.
Also Read- Shocking! Khabib Nurmagomedov spent nearly $1 million on Islam Makhachev’s training camp for UFC 280
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