It was the coronation many had long anticipated.
Islam Makhachev completed his years-long climb to the top of the mountain when he seized the vacant Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title by dismissing Charles Oliveira with an arm-triangle choke in the second round of their UFC 280 headliner on Oct. 22, 2022 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The end came 3:16 into Round 2.
Makhachev was utterly brilliant. He assumed top position in the first round and successfully navigated the treacherous Oliveira guard, setting the stage for what was to come.