Islam Makhachev faced off with Alexander Volkanovski moments after winning the vacant lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
Makhachev improved his unbeaten streak to 11 fights by submitting Oliveira with an arm-triangle choke in the second round to become the new 155lb champion. The Russian also fulfilled UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov's late father's wish by winning the title, as he backed Makhachev to take over Nurmagomedov's reign before sadly passing away in July 2020.
Just moments after Nurmagomedov put the belt around his waist in the octagon, Makhachev said he wants to make the first defence of his newly-acclaimed title against featherweight champion Volkanovski. The Australian was serving as the backup fighter for the lightweight title fight and was cageside for Makhachev's win, with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier calling for Volkanovski to enter the cage and stare off with Makhachev.