Islam Makhachev won the vacant UFC lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira in the second round.
Makhachev dominated from the opening stages as he took the fight to the ground in the opening session. And after dropping Oliveira in the second stanza, he locked in the arm triangle submission and forced the Brazilian to tap.
"I prayed so hard for this moment all my life. Since I was a kid I have been praying for this," said the new champion. "I knew this wasn't going to be an easy fight. I knew he would be wary of my wrestling skills so I knew he couldn't push too much.
Oliviera had been stripped of the title on the scales when he weighed in heavy for his title defence against Justin Gaethje in May. He went on to choke out his challenger to record his 11th successive victory and set up a clash with Makhachev.
The Dagestan native, long hailed as the heir to former 155lb ruler Khabib Nurmagomedov's throne, was himself riding a 10-fight win streak and started as the favourite in Abu Dhabi. And he landed the first meaningful shot of the fight when he caught Oliveira's chin with a straight left hand.
Makhachev then took the fight to the canvas inside the opening minute but Oliveira was content to work from his back. He briefly worked his way out and returned to his feet but the Brazilian was soon taken down once more as Makhachev suffocated his rival.
Should Islam Makhachev fight Alexander Volkanovski next? Let us know in the comments section below
OIiveira remained under pressure at the beginning of the second round but was able to see off his challenger's takedown efforts. But Makhachev looked more than comfortable on his feet - before he dropped Oliveira before locking in the submission.
Makhachev dedicated his victory to his former coach, Nurmagomedov's late father who passed away two years ago. He then face off with featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in the cage as the pair verbally agreed to meet for the 155lb belt in Australia in February.
Oliveira added: "Sometimes it's not our day. I promise you I'm going to get this back. I've never ducked out of a fight, I've always been there for [the UFC] no matter, give me another fight, I need to be the next guy."
