Islam Makhachev picked up his eighth win on the spin as he defeated Thiago Moises with a rear naked choke as Khabib Nurmagomedov looked on
Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov is having a great time after his retirement from fighting. The Russian and former UFC Lightweight Champion has been in the corner of many of his Dagestani fighters, and he was doing the same at UFC Vegas 31.
Islam Makhachev, the close friend of Khabib, was in his first main event. The 29-year-old came into this clash with just one loss to his name but Thiago Moises was a tough opponent.
The Brazilian also is good in wrestling but Makhachev had the best of the opening exchanges. There was one tough moment when Moises caught Islam in a leg lock but the round ended soon.
The fight also went to the championship rounds and in the first few minutes of the fourth, Makhachev got the patented submission win.
It was a rear naked choke and Moises tapped out. Khabib, who was in Makhachev’s corner, was quick to react and celebrated along with the rest of the coaches.
Coach Khabib sharing his insights
While Javier Mendez is the main coach for Makhachev, Khabib has been doing his bit. The Russian is now 5-0 in his career as a coach and he was giving Makhachev a ton of advice throughout the fight.
Even when Makhachev was in the leg lock, his first instinct was to ask Khabib or look for his friend for some answers.
Makhachev also had another name for his next fight with Rafael dos Anjos. The Russian called out the Brazilian and even gave him a few months to get ready for the clash.
Islam does seem to be the future of the Lightweight division, and it will be interesting to see what he does in his next outing.
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