MAKHACHKALA, Oct 23 Head of Dagestan Sergey Melikov congratulated fighter Islam Makhachev with a victory in the UFC and added that no one doubted that the result would be just that. On Saturday in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev defeated the Brazilian Charles Oliveira and became the new UFC champion in the lightweight division. «Islam Makhachev is the UFC champion! We everyone was waiting for this fight and had no doubt that the result would be just that. After Khabib Nurmagomedov left mixed martial arts, the belt stayed with a representative of another country for a very short time and today he returned home again — to Russia! The Dagestan athlete again became the first in such a prestigious league! » — the message says. He added that behind this victory there are hard training under the strict control of coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, the feelings and faith of the fans and the efforts of Islam, who gave his best and proved to the whole world that he is now the best in lightweight.
"I congratulate Islam, Khabib and all those thanks to whom the Dagestanis celebrate this holiday today, because we perceive sports victories as a holiday. Blessed memory of Abdulmanap Magomedovich Nurmagomedov, who brought up a galaxy of Dagestan champions. This triumph — including his merit. The belt is now in safe hands. We are proud of you Islam!" Melikov wrote.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, a friend and sparring partner of Makhachev, has held the UFC lightweight title since 2018 and retired in 2020. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away in July 2020.