Islam Makhachev makes a statement at UFC Vegas 31 by becoming the first man to submit Thiago Mosies
Islam Makhachev continues to show why he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC lightweight division, and maybe a future UFC lightweight champion, submitting Thiago Moises in the main event of UFC Vegas 31.
Makhachev tried to trap Moises right from the get-go, bringing pressure and force Moises to fight in close. Neither man went for a takedown in the first five minutes, and Moises got a fair share of shots, but Makhachev controlled the round with body shots, especially in the Muay Thai clinch.
Makhachev got the better of a kickboxing battle to open the second round, but the Khabib Nurmagomedov protege then managed to shoot in and eventually get the takedown. Moises attempted to reverse position, but Makhachev shook him off and got to Moises’ back, where he remained in control until getting into mount and nearly got an armbar before the horn.
Islam Makhachev puts on one-sided beatdown of Thiago Moises at UFC Vegas 31
Makhachev repeated his first-round strategy of pressuring Moises on the feet before slamming him down on the mat. Makhachev tried to get into mount but Moises went for a leg lock in the final 45 seconds of the third round.
Makhachev slammed Moises down once again in the fourth and completely controlled the round before putting Moises away with a choke.
Following the fight, Makhachev put the 155-pound division on notice, saying the fighters in there can’t run forever. Makhachev also called out Rafael dos Anjos, who he was supposed to fight in late 2020 before injuries nixed the bout.