UFC 280 was arguably the biggest UFC event this fall yet that too felt a bit anticlimactic – overshadowed by a strange decision and a non starter between TJ Dillashaw and Aljamain Sterling.
One bout that definitely delivered was the headliner between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. Despite many predictions, Makhachev managed to finish Oliveira early on in 2nd round after wobbling him with strikes – something that hardly anyone could’ve predicted.
The finish itself was particularly vicious with Makhachev delivering on a modified arm triangle he had used once before in the cage.
The new alternative angle footage offers a better view of the action as well as atmosphere in the arena.
The new alternative angle footage offers a better view of the action pic.twitter.com/4H9Ro4cv9b
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Another interesting to note is how excited Khabib Nurmagomedov was for his longtime friend. He could hardly contain the excitement and ended up jumping the cage because he couldn’t wait for UFC security to open it.
When all was said and done Nurmagomedov wished more people would respect Makhachev for his biggest win to date – something he likened to treatment he was getting when he faced off against Justin Gaethje in his retirement bout.
Nurmagomedov also had kind words for Oliveira in the cage:
According to ‘do Bronx’, Nurmagomedov told him that all the comments he’d directed towards him prior to the event were simply to promote the bout. The Brazilian said:
“He came up to me and just basically said that everything was just promoting the fight. He had a respect for me and he is a great champion.”
“He has an amazing journey in the sport. And now he has a great champion next to him. And all he was basically saying was that he respects me and it was all part of the game.”