UFC - Who is the Lightweight GOAT? 🤔
Islam Makhachev became the new UFC lightweight champion by defeating Charles Oliveira with an arm triangle submission. The fight highlighted Makhachev's ability to combine striking with grappling, as he managed to knock Oliveira down with strikes before securing the submission. This victory ended Oliveira's 11-fight winning streak and demonstrated Makhachev's dominance in the lightweight division. Makhachev's performance was marked by his pressure and control, which allowed him to clear Oliveira's leg and apply the submission effectively. The fight also showcased Makhachev's resilience and strategic approach, as he was able to capitalize on Oliveira's moment of vulnerability after being hurt by strikes. This win solidifies Makhachev's position as a top contender in the UFC lightweight category, with his grappling prowess and striking ability making him a formidable opponent for any fighter in the division.
Key Points:
- Islam Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira with an arm triangle to win the UFC lightweight title.
- Makhachev's victory ended Oliveira's 11-fight winning streak.
- The fight showcased Makhachev's striking and grappling skills, as he knocked Oliveira down before submitting him.
- Makhachev's pressure and control were key to his victory, allowing him to clear Oliveira's leg and secure the submission.
- This win establishes Makhachev as a dominant force in the UFC lightweight division.
Details:
1. 🏆 Islam Makhachev's Dominance
1.1. Victory over Charles Oliveira
1.2. Resilience against Dustin Poirier
2. 🥊 BJ Penn's Mastery and History
- BJ Penn demonstrated exceptional takedown defense against Shan Sherk, highlighting his ability to maintain control in high-pressure situations.
- Penn's striking was marked by his lightning-fast jab, which repeatedly caught Sherk off guard and contributed significantly to his dominance during the fight.
- BJ Penn's upper body movement proved highly effective, allowing him to evade strikes and counter effectively, showcasing his elusiveness and strategic prowess.
- The decisive moment came with a powerful knee from Penn that crumpled Sherk, leading to the end of the fight and solidifying Penn's status as the lightweight champion.
- Referee Mario Yamasaki confirmed the end of the fight, underscoring Penn's position as the top fighter at 155 lbs.
3. 🤼♂️ Charles Oliveira's Submission Skills
- Charles Oliveira maintains the throne with a signature win over Dustin Poirier, showcasing his prowess as a submission artist, having submitted more people in UFC than anyone ever.
- Oliveira's victory over Poirier was marked by a standing rear naked choke, a testament to his lethal submission skills, which are regarded as the slickest in UFC.
- He extended his records for both submissions and finishes, holding the top numbers in UFC history.
- Oliveira has now won 10 fights in a row, marking a remarkable journey in his professional career.
- His win against Poirier allowed him to defend his title successfully, having previously won the belt by knockout.
- Oliveira's striking has significantly improved over the years, demonstrated by his ability to wobble Benil Dariush with a head kick and follow up with a right hook.
- His fight against Michael Chandler highlighted his resilience, as he managed to stop Chandler in the second round after a tough first round.
- Oliveira achieved his 20th stoppage win inside the octagon, a record in UFC.
- Despite a nearly knockout in the first round against Chandler, Oliveira's performance in the second round solidified his championship status.
- At 31 years old, Oliveira took 28 UFC fights to get a title fight, the longest journey in UFC history.
4. 🤜 Frankie Edgar's Resilience
- Frankie Edgar exemplified extraordinary resilience by surviving a brutal first-round assault from Gray Maynard, despite being severely hurt and bleeding from the nose.
- Edgar showcased his fighting spirit by recovering from being wobbly and rocked multiple times, and managed a successful takedown on Maynard as the fight progressed.
- The match highlighted Edgar's exceptional endurance, as he continued to fight back even when showing signs of fatigue during takedown attempts.
- This five-round battle underscored both fighters' endurance, particularly Edgar's ability to withstand significant punishment and maintain a high level of performance.
- The fight serves as a testament to Edgar's resilience and determination, making it a defining moment in his career.
5. 🥋 Benson Henderson vs Nate Diaz
- Benson Henderson implemented a strategic plan that effectively neutralized Nate Diaz's boxing prowess through the use of powerful leg kicks and maintaining control of distance, minimizing Diaz's striking opportunities.
- Henderson dominated the grappling aspect of the fight, successfully executing multiple takedowns that highlighted his superior wrestling skills over Diaz.
- Despite Nate Diaz's attempts at submissions, including a leg lock and a Kimura, Henderson's defensive grappling ensured he avoided any potential finishes.
- Henderson's ability to land significant strikes and maintain ground control was instrumental in depleting Diaz's stamina over the course of the fight.
- Known for psychological tactics, Diaz's constant talking and attempts to unsettle Henderson did not disrupt Henderson's focus and strategy.
- The fight showcased Henderson's well-rounded approach, emphasizing a combination of striking, grappling, and mental fortitude to counteract Diaz's strengths.
- Ultimately, Henderson's tactics of exploiting Diaz's weaknesses while reinforcing his own strengths led to a decisive victory after the fight went the distance.
- The judges awarded Henderson a unanimous decision victory, underscoring his dominance and effective execution of a comprehensive fight strategy.
6. 🥇 Khabib's Undefeated Legacy
- Khabib Nurmagomedov remains undefeated with a record of 29-0, following a submission victory over Justin Gaethje using a triangle choke.
- Khabib's ability to maintain pressure and control the pace of the fight was highlighted as a key strength against Gaethje.
- Despite Gaethje's effective leg kicks and striking, Khabib's grappling skill ensured a dominant performance.
- Khabib's emotional reaction post-fight reflects the personal significance, as it was his first fight without his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
- The fight underscored Khabib's standing as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, demonstrating versatility in both striking and grappling.
- The bout with Gaethje was anticipated as one of Khabib's toughest challenges, yet he showcased superior skill across all areas.
- Khabib's legacy is further cemented by his ability to remain at the top of the lightweight division with consistent performances.
- The fight against Gaethje was notable for its strategic execution, with Khabib employing a mix of takedowns and submissions to secure victory.