Top 5: Islam Makhachev Submissions

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. Makhachev decked the Brazilian with a right hook in Round 2, pursued him to the canvas and locked in the arm-triangle. He…