Islam Makhachev headlined a UFC card for the first time in his career. In a bid to extend his win streak to 8-0 in the promotion, the Dagestani fighter accepted a fight against 14th ranked Moises. Going into the fight, in interviews, ‘The Eagle’ spoke highly of Makhachev as he has in the past as well. He claimed that Makhachev would dominate top lightweights such as Dustin Poirier and champion Charles Oliveira.
At the UFC APEX, Islam lived up to all the hype he had garnered and some more. He secured an impressive fourth-round rear-naked choke win over Moises. Makhachev was in control from the very first round and did exactly what he said he would do. “Take him down, make him tired, and choke him out.” Here is what the fans on Twitter had to say about Makhachev’s performance.
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Twitter reacts as Islam Makhachev extends his win streak to 8-0
Michael Chandler, who was covering the event tonight, put out a question for his fans.
Who y’all got in the main event? #ufcvegas31
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) July 18, 2021
Dan Hooker posted a GIF in response to Makhachev’s post-fight interview.
Why the sudden change 😘 pic.twitter.com/KBegWh3aLh
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) July 18, 2021
Ariel Helwani shared possible matchups for Makhachev after a dominant win tonight.
Islam Makhachev says he wants RDA next. Down for it.
Also, if Kevin Lee beats Sean Brady next month I’d love that, too. He’s only been calling out Islam/Khabib for, like, 7 years.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 18, 2021
Dillon Danis shared his thoughts on Makhachev’s performance tonight.
Islam Makhachev is so overrated 😂 i’d play with him in there before i took any submission i wanted.
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) July 18, 2021
Belal Muhammad was high on praise for Islam after his win tonight.
Welcome to the Islam era
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 18, 2021
Theo Von hyped fans up for the main event tonight.
Who’s ready for this banger?!! Makhachev and Moises LFG! 💪
#UFCVegas31— Theo Von (@TheoVon) July 18, 2021
Islam Makhachev vs Tony Ferguson anyone?
Islam Makhachev says that if he had his choice of his next opponent that it would be Tony Ferguson.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) July 18, 2021
‘Platinum’ Mike Perry shared his thoughts on the main event at UFC Vegas 31.
High level grappling main event
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) July 18, 2021
Aljamain Sterling gave his verdict on the main event.
Moises needs something big. Makhachev running away with this very decisively. I did like that heel hook attempt from Moises tho but Islam is still strong and the fresher fighter. #UFCVegas31
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 18, 2021
Jimi Manuwa was extremely critical of the two men involved in the main event at UFC Vegas 31.
These guys ain’t fighting like they’re on a main event #UFCVegas31
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) July 18, 2021
Edmen Shahbazyan labeled Makhachev’s performance tonight ‘beautiful’.
Beautiful performance. Congrats to Islam!! #UFCVegas31
— The Golden Boy (@edmenshahbazyan) July 18, 2021
Alan Jouban felt Islam Makhachev made a statement with the finish tonight.
Wow!! That finish makes a statement! #UFCVegas31
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) July 18, 2021
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Brett Okamoto reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s plans for his protege.
Khabib Nurmagomedov tells me the plan is for Islam Makhachev to get one more fight near the end of the year, get a finish, and be named Fighter of the Year. He's 2-0 with two finishes so far. He'd have to beat out some tough competition. Usman, Moreno, Ngannou are tops, I'd say.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) July 18, 2021
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After an impressive performance like that, the options are endless for Makhachev. In the post-fight interview, he stated that he wanted Rafael dos Anjos in his next fight. He also called out the likes of Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson. As Makhachev will without a doubt face a top-ranked lightweight in his next fight, it will be interesting to see who the UFC gives him next.
What did you make of Makhachev’s performance tonight? Do you think he has the potential to become the lightweight champion? And who should he face next? Let us know in the comments below!
