Morning Report: Daniel Cormier: Islam Makhachev had “one of the most dominant performances” ever for a title contender

At UFC 280, Islam Makhachev proved to everyone how legitimate he is.

Last weekend’s main event featured one of the most anticipated UFC title fights in recent memory. Lightweight’s most formidable streak holders, Makhachev and former champion Charles Oliveira, finally got to tackle it, and unfortunately for Oliveira it wasn’t as competitive as he would have liked.

That night, Makhachev’s old American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) teammate Daniel Cormier called the action. Despite having first-hand experience of Makhachev in the training room, Cormier was nonetheless surprised by his performance in the brightest of lights.

“He took it on a Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira who was on form, who was prepared, but he knew exactly what he had to do and I thought it showed very early in the fight,” Cormier continued DC & RC.

“I was in that kid’s arm triangle. it’s so tight The moment he was able to clear cover, Charles Oliveira tapped out and I’m telling you it was one of the most dominant performances we’ve seen from a challenger.

Oliveira had some moments early and managed to land the most significant hits of any Makhachev opponent, albeit just 19, according to UFC stats. Ultimately, Makhachev’s phenomenal wrestling pressure was too great to overcome for most of the fight.

“Do Bronx’s” incredible submission threats were ended with relative ease before he was dropped in the second round and finished with an arm-triangle choke. Makhachev did exactly what he said, and now the community is largely in agreement that a long new era at the top of the perennially stacked 155-pound weight class could be unfolding.

“I say that without the slightest doubt about Islam,” Cormier said. “He’s always been the best in the room. We all thought that if he could do and show the same type of skill as he shows in the practice room in the octagon, he would be the best in the world. Well I’m not saying he’s better than Khabib [Nurmagomedov], I’m just saying he was just always that good. But he was never able to just do it in the octagon the way he did in the gym.

“The only thing that surprised me was that when I talk to these guys … and I’m talking to Charles, Islam, Aljo, TJ Dillashaw, Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan, I’ve never seen six guys like that were.” so sure they would win. Charles Oliveira thought he was going to KO this guy in the first round. Islam Makhachev immediately said, “I will submit Charles Oliveira.” Even I, when I spoke to him, thought, ‘Islam, you can’t believe you can just walk right through this guy.’”

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End. Jose Aldo explains why no opponent would convince him to postpone MMA retirement

bantamweight. Marlon Vera: Sean O’Malley made a ‘gift decision’ on Petr Yan but still deserves the next title fight

Problem. Boxing judge accused of fight-fixing by Jake Paul joins Eddie Hearn in $100m defamation lawsuit, seeking separate damages

Match. Anthony Smith Responds to Nikita Krylov’s Call: ‘Yes, I’m Really Down’

Waiting. Dana White, USADA confirms Conor McGregor needs 6 months drug testing before UFC return

anticipation. Jon Jones says he’s ‘getting ready to fight’ Stipe Miocic at UFC 282: ‘I’m ready to compete!’

Support. Calvin Kattar backs Alexander Volkanovski over Islam Makhachev: ‘He has a chance against everyone’

Problematic. Anderson Silva’s latest sparring session has a controversial ending

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The MMA lesson.

free fight.

Khalil’s journey.

Sterling’s last UFC 280 BTS.

Felder and Chiesa discuss UFC 280.

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Fighter vs. Writer. MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin chats with Alan Jouban and Matt Brown.

Show ranking. MMA Fighting’s Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck and Jed Meshew discuss the latest movement.

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He coped well.

Let’s go.

competition time.

Continue.

Get creative with the nicknames.

Good argument.

Quickly.

There it is.

Strong season.

bandwork.

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Joshua Weems (10-2) vs. Christian Rodriguez (7-1); UFC Vegas 63, October 29

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Not sure if it’s number 1, but Makhachev’s win is definitely at the top of this conversation.

Thank you for reading!

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