Dagestan’s Islam Makhachev became the UFC lightweight champion by defeating former champion Charles Oliveira via submission at the main event of UFC 280 on October 22, 2022 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The victory marked the culmination of a lifelong journey to reach to the top of the mountain. Makhachev began his professional MMA career at a Russian MMA promotion called Tsumada Fighting Championship in 2010. Islam also fought for promotions like M-1, ProFC, Siberian Fighting Championships, and Lion’s Fights before joining the UFC in 2015.
After losing his second UFC bout, Makhachev has won 13 in a row and is now the UFC’s 155 champion. Interestingly, Makhachev has fought at that weight class throughout his career. In 26 MMA flights, only two on Islam’s resume were fought above the lightweight limit of 155, both catchweight bouts.
Makhachev is the 12th lightweight champion in UFC history. He succeeded Oliveira who won the belt against Michael Chandler at UFC 262 in Houston last May 15, 2021. Charles was stripped in his next fight against Gaethje.
Currently, Makhachev is still waiting for the UFC to give him his next assignment, although it is widely rumored that he could be fighting Dustin Poirier next. Poirier is coming off a come-from-behind win over the young Benoit Saint-Denis.