UFC 280: OLIVEIRA vs. MAKHACHEV aired live in Asia on Sunday, October 22 from the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. An amazing card of action and grit was capped off by two title fights that delivered dominant champions: Aljamain Sterling knocked out TJ Dillashaw in the second round to retain his title, and Islam Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira to become the new lightweight champion.
Islam Makhachev wins UFC Lightweight title
Former champion Charles Oliveira faced #4 Islam Makhachev in a lightweight championship bout that did not go the distance. Makhachev dominated Oliveira, controlling the action throughout the first round before dropping him with a left hand, following him to the canvas, and securing the choke. As soon as he stepped out of half-guard, Oliveira tapped.
"I always ask God, and he gives me more than what I ask. I trained so hard for this moment, all my life, since I was a kid, to be ready for this moment. I knew it was going to be a hard fight, this guy is a warrior. This belt is for my coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov,” Makhachev said after the win.
Sterling defends Bantamweight title
UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling made quick work of former champion and No. 2 ranked contender TJ Dillashaw. Sterling dominated, driving Dillashaw to the canvas almost immediately, at which point it appeared that the challenger dislocated his shoulder. Sterling continued to control the first, nearly finishing Dillashaw, then secured the stoppage in the second with ground and pound.
"I knew he could get out, get back on top and do damage, so I made sure I kept the pressure on and I knew what I needed to do. Anaconda, human backpack, I take you down, it's a wrap! Honestly, I thought this was going to be a five-round war. Fortunately for me it was my night tonight. 'And still' baby."
Sean O Malley edges out Petr Yan
Former bantamweight champion Petr Yan and No. 12 ranked fan-favorite Sean O’Malley made an instant classic in their Fight of the Night. O’Malley hurt Yan in the first and cut him with a big knee in the third, while Yan constantly made adjustments and had long stretches where he controlled the action.
It was an incredible back-and-forth where each man needed to dig deep and find ways to be successful, and each did that many times over throughout the phenomenal contest, that ended with O'Malley taking the win on the scorecards.
No. 5 ranked welterweight contender Belal Muhammad halted the undefeated run of No. 8 Sean Brady in the featured prelim with a second-round TKO for a Performance of the Night bonus.
UFC 280 OFFICIAL RESULTS
UFC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
UFC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN CARD
PRELIMS
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