I. Makhachev poses next to K. Nurmagomedov after victory in UFC 259. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
A real class. Considered by many as the successor to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam makhachev did not disappoint the 'teacher' in UFC 259. With the Russian legend in his corner, the lightweight (up to 70,3kg) had no difficulty in winning Drew dober. Precise in his takedowns, the 'pupil' dominated his opponent and finished his rival with a submission in the third round.
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This was Islam's first commitment since the retirement of Khabib, who left the sport in October 2020. Although he still owns the belt, the champion publicly states that Makhachev will take over his post in the near future.
With the result, Islam reached the seventh positive result in a row in one of the most competitive categories in the group. In the interview after the fight, the fighter asked for an opponent from the top 5.
While Makhachev and his team celebrate, Dober, who had the opportunity to reach the group's elite, laments. The setback marked the 10th negative result in the American's career. The fighter had four consecutive victories.
The fight
Dober took the initiative in the confrontation with a low kick. Makhachev then put his strategy into practice, looked for his rival's legs and took him to the ground. On top, the Russian started to look for transitions, while the North American defended himself as best he could. After three minutes, Islam got the mount, but Dober continued to protect himself. Makhachev almost got his back, but the American managed to explode. Showing a lot of technique, Islam sought his rival's arm and almost managed a submission. Drew resisted and ended up saved by the bell.
In the second stage, the Russian returned to the fight focused on the plan. In the opening seconds, Islam once again took down his opponent and began to put pressure on his opponent with blows from top to bottom. Dober tried to get up, but Islam gave no space for the North American to react. At a clear disadvantage, Drew remained easy prey for Makhachev's actions, who undermined his opponent's energy with punches and weighed down his opponent's body. The round came to an end with Khabib's pupil attacking Dober with punches.
In the last round, the same script. Before the clock even confirmed the first minute, Makhachev had already taken down the American. This time, Dober tried an armbar, but the Russian seemed confident in defense. Islam managed to free himself from the hold, then impressed, scoring a submission that forced his opponent to give up.
UFC 259 results
MAIN CARD
Light Heavyweight: Jan Blachowicz derrotou Israel adesanya in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-45, 49-46, 49-45) – Title fight
Feather weight: Amanda nunes finished Megan anderson with an armbar at 2m03s of R1 – Title fight
Bantamweight: aljamain sterling derrotou Petr yan by disqualification (illegal knee) at 4m29s of R4 – Title fight
Lightweight: Islam makhachev finished Drew dober with a choke at 1m37s of R3
Light Heavyweight: Aleksandar rakic derrotou Thiago Marreta in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28,30-27, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight: Dominick Cruz derrotou Casey kenney in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Kyler Phillips derrotou song yadong in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fly weight: Askar askarov derrotou Joseph Benavidez in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
Fly weight: Kai Kara France derrotou Rogerio Bontorin by technical knockout at 4m55s of R1
Fly weight: Tim Elliott derrotou Jordan Espinosa in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-25, 30-27)
Light Heavyweight: Kennedy Nzechukwu derrotou Carlos Ulberg by technical knockout 3m19s of R2
Welterweight Weight: Sean brady finished Jake matthews with a katagatame 3m28s from R3
Straw weight: Amanda lemos derrotou Livinha Souza by technical knockout at 3m39s of R1
Lightweight: Uros Medic derrotou Aalon Cruz by technical knockout at 1m40s of R1
Bantamweight: Trevin Jones derrotou mario bautista by technical knockout at 47s of R2
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