Islam Makhachev fulfilled a lifelong goal against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 this past weekend. In Abu Dhabi, he was crowned the lightweight champion of the world.
The Dagestani left his doubters with little to say after his dominant performance over ‘Do Bronx’, a man who had previously looked unstoppable.
With Khabib Nurmagomedov in Makhachev’s corner, the pair were able to complete the dream of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who sadly passed away in 2021. The father of ‘The Eagle’ had always envisioned Makhachev being crowned the lightweight king after his son’s success.
Like the late Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s own father would have also dreamt of similar success for his son. Footage has now emerged of the proud father-son pair speaking to the media.
In the video, the new lightweight champion places the belt over his father’s shoulder as they return to Dagestan.
Islam Makhachev will hope to emulate the title reign of his close friend and teammate, Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani is expected to have his first title defense against Alexander Volkanovski early next year.
See the video below, with Makhachev placing the belt on his father’s shoulder at 4:29:
Islam Makhachev’s coach claims Beneil Dariush deserves next title shot, not Volkanovski
Javier Mendez, the head coach of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, recently appeared to Submission Radio following UFC 280.
Makhachev’s next fight was brought up during the interaction. Mendez acknowledged that the UFC wants to see Alexander Volkanovski at 155 pounds, hence why that matchup is currently the frontrunner.
However, while Mendez did say that they have no issue facing the challenge of Volkanovski in Australia, he believes that Beneil Dariush is the most deserving of the spot:
“Now, who in my opinion is actually more deserving from a true professional sport, because this is an entertainment sport. So from a true-sport, Dariush, he deserves it. He 100% deserves the next shot. But ’cause this is entertainment sport, the fans want to see Alex and Islam go for it.”
Watch the interview below:
Alexander Volkanovski was called out by Islam Makhachev and his team after they won the fight at UFC 280. ‘The Great’ was in attendance, and was brought into the octagon for a faceoff.
Volkanovski is willing to put his spot as pound-for-pound No.1 on the line against Makhachev, and said this:
“Let’s do it. The lightweight [title] on the line, pound-for-pound number 1 on the line.”
Watch the video below: