UFC 280 LIVE results: Islam Makhachev submits Charles Oliveira to win lightweight title

Arguably the most stacked fight card of the year has arrived, as UFC 280 plays out in Abu Dhabi today.

The main event sees the lightweight title up for grabs, with Charles Oliveira out to regain the belt he was stripped of earlier this year as he takes on Islam Makhachev. Oliveira won the gold at 155lbs last May, claiming the title vacated by a retired Khabib Nurmagomedov, and the Brazilian went on to retain it in December before missing weight this May – one day before a scheduled defence against Justin Gaethje. That weight-miss saw Oliveira, 33, stripped of the belt, but he submitted Gaethje one day later to establish himself as No1 contender – while extending his records for most finishes and most submissions in UFC history. Meanwhile, 31-year-old Makhachev has long been seen by many as champion in waiting, and he will have Khabib – his childhood friend and now coach – in his corner at the Etihad Arena.

In the co-main event, Aljamain Sterling defends the bantamweight title against former two-time champion TJ Dillashaw, who last summer returned to the Octagon after serving a two-year, drugs-related ban. Prior to that contest, another ex-bantamweight champion, Petr Yan, faces rising star Sean O’Malley. Follow live reaction from UFC 280 below.

UFC 280 LIVE

• Makhachev def. Oliveira via second-round submission (arm-triangle choke, 3:16)

• Sterling def. Dillashaw via second-round TKO (punches, elbows; 3:44)

• O’Malley def. Yan via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

• Dariush def. Gamrot via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

• Fiorot def. Chookagian via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

• Plus all the prelim action as Muhammad stops Brady

UFC 280 LIVE

22:04 , Alex Pattle

UFC 280 LIVE

22:01 , Alex Pattle

UFC 280 LIVE

22:01 , Alex Pattle

UFC 280 LIVE

22:01 , Alex Pattle

Volkanovski enters the ring to face off with Makhachev.

UFC 280 LIVE

22:00 , Alex Pattle

“We know we’re gonna finish this guy,” Khabib says after saying Makhachev will fight featherweight champion and pound-for-pound king Alex Volkanovski in the Australian’s own backyard in February.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:58 , Alex Pattle

UFC 280 LIVE

21:57 , Alex Pattle

Islam Makhachev def. Charles Oliveira via second-round submission (arm-triangle choke, 3:16).

Khabib hoists his childhood friend on his shoulders and parades him around the ring!

“This thing’s so heavy, bro,” Makhachev says as the belt is wrapped around his waist.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:54 , Alex Pattle

Islam Makhachev is your new UFC lightweight champion!

UFC 280 LIVE

21:53 , Alex Pattle

Oliveira vs Makhachev – Round 2

Some slightly messy striking exchanges here. Makhachev is pressing forward in any case; Oliveira is struggling to implement his usual pressure.

The Brazilian blocks a high kick. Now he comes forward.

Makhachev drops Oliveira with a right hook after the former champion misses with a jumping knee!

The Russian chases Oliveira to the mat and locks in an arm-triangle... MAKHACHEV GETS THE TAP!

UFC 280 LIVE

21:51 , Alex Pattle

Oliveira vs Makhachev – Round 2

Oliveira gets through with a right cross. Makhachev with a right hook then a knee to the body as the pair clinch.

They briefly hit the mat then stand against the cage wall, where Makhachev is in a dominant position.

Makhachev is trying to trip Oliveira, who is maintaining a stable base. The lightweights trade knees to the body before Makhachev steps back.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:49 , Alex Pattle

Oliveira vs Makhachev – Round 1

Makhachev gets some big shots off. He’s trying to stack the former champion to create space to rain down punches, but Oliveira is largely doing well to keep the Russian at bay.

Now Oliveira lands a couple of up kicks as the round comes to an end!

UFC 280 LIVE

21:48 , Alex Pattle

Oliveira vs Makhachev – Round 1

Makhachev, to the sound of “Islam” chants, drags Oliveira to the canvas!

Oliveira is keeping busy from beneath the 31-year-old, but Makhachev is also throwing strikes.

Makhachev is grinding his left forearm and elbow into Oliveira’s face.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:46 , Alex Pattle

Oliveira vs Makhachev – Round 1

Makhachev is in Oliveira’s full guard. Oliveira is throwing elbows from below.

Makhachev has already fended off a triangle attempt from the Brazilian.

Now the Russian is trying for some punches, but Oliveira uses his legs well to keep Makhachev at bay!

Now Oliveira stands! The lightweights grapple against the fence, with Oliveira in control.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:44 , Alex Pattle

Oliveira vs Makhachev – Round 1

Oliveira comes out with a jumping front kick. He then kicks high to the body. Makhachev with a decent left hook then some wild punches.

Oliveira comes forward with another front kick.

Oliveira misses with a punch and clinches; Makhachev hits the mat with him and ends up on top.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:43 , Alex Pattle

Here. We. Go!!

UFC 280 LIVE

21:42 , Alex Pattle

UFC 280 LIVE

21:40 , Alex Pattle

Oliveira has won 11 fights in a row; Makhachev has won 10 in a row.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:38 , Alex Pattle

Now here comes Oliveira, looking extremely motivated and somewhat emotional as he bids to regain the title of which he was stripped in May.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:34 , Alex Pattle

Out comes Makhachev first, with Khabib in tow.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:33 , Alex Pattle

The promo that the UFC just showed for this fight... Wow.

Huge-fight feel. Boxing does not make these kinds of bouts anywhere near frequently enough.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:32 , Alex Pattle

There’s still time to check out our main-event preview with former UFC title challenger, commentator and analyst Dan Hardy:

Oliveira vs Makhachev: Inside the most intriguing fight of the year at UFC 280

UFC 280 LIVE

21:31 , Alex Pattle

It’s time for the main event: Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev for the vacant UFC lightweight title.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:24 , Alex Pattle

Dillashaw: “I probably dislocated my shoulder a good 20 times during this training camp.”

He says he briefed referee Goddard ahead of time, and he apologises to the bantamweight division for holding up the weight-class.

He says he first sustained the injury in April, when talks around this fight began.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:20 , Alex Pattle

Aljamain Sterling def. TJ Dillashaw via second-round TKO (punches, elbows; 3:44).

UFC 280 LIVE

21:18 , Alex Pattle

Sterling vs Dillashaw – Round 2

Sterling has Dillashaw down again and has taken the back!

He’s pouring on punches and slashing elbows!

And it’s stopped! Goddard waves it off; Sterling retains!

UFC 280 LIVE

21:17 , Alex Pattle

Sterling vs Dillashaw – Round 2

Sterling is fully in control, and the crowd is booing as the Jamaican-American controls his challenger.

Dillashaw tries to stand; Sterling almost catches him in a D’Arce!

Dillashaw escapes, but it seems that left shoulder has come out again...

Referee Marc Goddard is well aware and is keeping a close eye on Dillashaw.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:15 , Alex Pattle

Sterling vs Dillashaw – Round 2

A great first round for Sterling, whatever happened with Dillashaw’s shoulder.

Sterling secures another takedown. Dillashaw is still only using his right arm.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:14 , Alex Pattle

It seems like Duane Ludwig, Dillashaw’s coach, got his fighter’s shoulder back in!

UFC 280 LIVE

21:13 , Alex Pattle

Sterling vs Dillashaw – Round 1

Sterling is trying for a rear naked choke. Dillashaw manages to slip free and almost manages to stand.

He winces, and Sterling takes the back again. Once more Dillashaw tries to get free but can’t, and again Sterling tees off with punches.

Finally Dillashaw creates space and stands, but it looks like his left shoulder has popped out! Indeed, Sterling’s team shout: “His shoulder is out!”

Dillashaw makes it ot the end of the round.

UFC 280 LIVE

21:10 , Alex Pattle

Sterling vs Dillashaw – Round 1

The bantamweights clash shins. Sterling then catches a kick and takes down Dillashaw.

Great movement from Sterling as he looks to keep down the former champion.

Dillashaw is being pinned down and is wincing. Has he hurt his shoulder or collarbone, perhaps...? It’s hard to tell at the moment.

Sterling is pouring on punches now, while Dillashaw just tries to cover up. This fight could be stopped soon.

Well, Sterling has taken the back and may stop it himself!

UFC 280 LIVE

21:00 , Alex Pattle

Secondly, our exclusive interview with Aljamain Sterling:

Aljamain Sterling looks back on school struggles and forward to UFC 280

UFC 280 LIVE

20:56 , Alex Pattle

Next up: Former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw tries to regain the belt as he challenges Aljamain Sterling.

Two pieces of essential reading for you ahead of this one...

Firstly, Ollie Cooper’s fight preview:

TJ Dillashaw out to undo ‘deal with the devil’ in UFC 280 bout with Aljamain Sterling

UFC 280 LIVE

20:54 , Alex Pattle

O’Malley: “Fighting is the craziest f***ing sport in the world.”

Yep.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:48 , Alex Pattle

Sean O’Malley def. Petr Yan via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).

Wow... That is unexpected.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:45 , Alex Pattle

Yan vs O’Malley – Round 3

O’Malley is dragged to the mat. Just over 90 seconds left.

O’Malley briefly tries to isolate Yan’s arm for a Kimura. Then he focuses on standing, and he’s successful.

One minute to go! O’Malley rolls under a big overhand right, then he eats a left hook...

Again Yan mixes it up well with some grappling. A slick roll from “Sugar” to get away. What a fight this has been – fight of the night for sure.

O’Malley switches stances then is tripped late in the round.

We’ll go to the scorecards...

UFC 280 LIVE

20:43 , Alex Pattle

Yan vs O’Malley – Round 3

Third and final round! Yan is on the front foot, kicking to the body. Good footwork from O’Malley, though, as the American tries to find openings.

Yan strikes to force “Sugar” back to the fence, where he looks to grapple O’Malley.

But O’Malley shakes him off then lands a huge right hand, which opens a big cut on the eyebrow of Yan!

They’re trading massive shots here! A stiff left hook lands for Yan! This is chaos!

Yan eats a head kick then shoots for a takedown!

UFC 280 LIVE

20:39 , Alex Pattle

Yan vs O’Malley – Round 2

Yan looks for another takedown against the cage wall, and he’s successful. O’Malley is framing against the Russian, trying to keep him at bay.

Yan slides an elbow through, though, onto the temple of the American.

Yan ends a chaotic round on top.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:38 , Alex Pattle

Yan vs O’Malley – Round 2

Knees to the body by Yan, but he soon backs off.

A lovely trip from Yan after feinting a jab. O’Malley springs back to his feet.

Yan is trying to swarm O’Malley against the fence. A sharp jab gets through for the former champion.

Harsh body kick from Yan now. O’Malley kicks low then probes with his jab.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:36 , Alex Pattle

Yan vs O’Malley – Round 2

Slick head movement from O’Malley to avoid Yan’s punches, then he tags the Russian with a right hand!!

He has Yan wobbled! Oh, my word!!

Now Yan with a huge right hand, and he takes down O’Malley! This is wild! O’Malley erasing any doubts about whether he belongs at this level!

Yan is in full guard and landing ground and pound from above! O’Malley is eyeing submissions; he’s still very much cognisant.

And O’Malley stands against the fence!

UFC 280 LIVE

20:33 , Alex Pattle

Yan vs O’Malley – Round 1

Again Yan shoots for a takedown with O’Malley against the fence. He dumps the American to the mat! “Petr” is the chant in Abu Dhabi.

Yan moves into O’Malley’s full guard, but “Sugar” defends well, kicks away the Russian and stands!

Yan with a few leg kicks; O’Malley flicks out a couple of front kicks to the body.

Now O’Malley shoots for a takedown! A real rarity! He almost slips behind Yan and takes the back, too, just before the buzzer!

UFC 280 LIVE

20:31 , Alex Pattle

Yan vs O’Malley – Round 1

Yan sometimes starts slow and is used to having five rounds to work with; tonight he only has three.

The bantamweights trade body kicks. Some stance-switching from O’Malley, who is getting backed up early.

Yan shoots for a takedown with O’Malley against the fence. Good defence from O’Malley, who shoves away Yan as the Russian tries for a knee off the break.

Oblique kick low from O’Malley. Yan just misses with an overhand left.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:28 , Alex Pattle

Here we go!

UFC 280 LIVE

20:26 , Alex Pattle

O’Malley is three-and-a-half inches taller than Yan and has a five-inch reach advantage.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:26 , Alex Pattle

There really is a big-fight feel around this bout.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:25 , Alex Pattle

Yan is out now, the No 1-ranked bantamweight in the UFC.

Meanwhile, O’Malley is ranked 11th.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:22 , Alex Pattle

During the opponents’ first face-off this week, Yan, 29, shoved O’Malley to add a little extra spice to this contest.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:21 , Alex Pattle

UFC 280 LIVE

20:21 , Alex Pattle

O’Malley is out first.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:20 , Alex Pattle

Russian Yan last fought in April, failing to regain the bantamweight belt from Aljamain Sterling – the man to whom he lost the gold via DQ last year – after coming up short on points in a very close fight.

Meanwhile, “Sugar” Sean O’Malley is 15-1 (1 No Contest). The American’s last fight ended as a No Contest in July, but prior to that the 27-year-old was on a three-fight win streak.

He is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC, but Yan marks a huge step-up in competition for him.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:15 , Alex Pattle

Next up, former bantamweight champion Petr Yan takes on rising star Sean O’Malley!

UFC 280 LIVE

20:14 , Alex Pattle

Eight straight wins for Dariush!

He retains his No 6 spot at lightweight and may even climb this week...

UFC 280 LIVE

20:11 , Alex Pattle

Beneil Dariush def. Mateusz Gamrot via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

UFC 280 LIVE

20:09 , Alex Pattle

Dariush vs Gamrot – Round 3

More terrific takedown defence from Dariush.

We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:09 , Alex Pattle

Dariush vs Gamrot – Round 3

Dariush has successfully defended 13 of 16 takedown attempts.

Gamrot may feel he needs a finish, he’s in front of Dariush and looks edgy...

OH! Big left hand from Dariush, and Gamrot hits the deck!

He’s quickly back to his feet, though, as we enter the final minute of the fight...

UFC 280 LIVE

20:07 , Alex Pattle

Dariush vs Gamrot – Round 3

It may well be one round apiece.

Dariush is staying patient, waiting on Gamrot to throw punches so he can counter the Pole.

The Iranian-American defends a takedown attempt against the fence! Gamrot perseveres...

But Dariush is still able to keep him at bay!

UFC 280 LIVE

20:03 , Alex Pattle

Dariush vs Gamrot – Round 2

Dariush misses with a one-two as Gamrot rolls under the punches and seeks a double-leg takedown, but Dariush shows his experience by reacting at once to stuff the grappling attempt.

A much better round for Dariush here, though it ends with some more wild scrambling between the fighters.

UFC 280 LIVE

20:01 , Alex Pattle

Dariush vs Gamrot – Round 2

Another round, another scramble. Dariush then hammers his left shin into the outside of Gamrot’s right one.

Dariush closes distance with a knee to the head, though Gamrot blocks it.

The lightweights trade jabs and look for heavier punches.

Gamrot feints a takedown and draws a big reaction from Dariush.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:57 , Alex Pattle

Dariush vs Gamrot – Round 1

Dariush grabs both of Gamrot’s legs and now tries to isolate one for a leg lock...

Gamrot wriggles free and stands, before holding Dariush against the cage wall with a body lock from behind.

Dariush is able to shake off Gamrot, who soon tries for another takedown. Dariush with some solid defence to neutralise the Pole for the time being, though the Iranian-American eventually hits the mat against the fence.

Once more Dariush stands, though, and the pair move into the centre of the Octagon.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:54 , Alex Pattle

Dariush vs Gamrot – Round 1

Gamrot comes forward with a right hand at once. He shrugs off a clinch attempt from Dariush, who then fires off a couple of left kicks.

Now Gamrot tries a single-leg takedown as Dariush rushes at him, but Dariush scrambles free...

They’re still scrambling, Dariush trying to roll away... He stands, and Gamrot holds him against the fence.

Now the lightweights separate. Harsh outside low kick from Dariush, and another.

He tries for one more, but Gamrot catches it upon impact and takes down his opponent.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:51 , Alex Pattle

Iranian-American Dariush was scheduled to face Makhachev in February but had to withdraw from that bout due to injury.

Makhachev went on to stop late-notice replacement Bobby Green in the first round.

Dariush was therefore very close to a title shot, but now he’s risking his ranking against a lower-ranked opponent in Poland’s Gamrot.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:50 , Alex Pattle

Dariush is ranked sixth at lightweight; Gamrot is ninth.

Dariush is trying to fire himself up as he makes his way to the ring.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:46 , Alex Pattle

Next up is Beneil Dariush vs Mateusz Gamrot in a clash of lightweight contenders. A statement win for either fighter here could establish them as the next No 1 contender at 155lbs.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:41 , Alex Pattle

That result establishes Fiorot as the new No 1-ranked women’s flyweight in the UFC!

Is she the next challenger for champion Valentina Shevchenko?

UFC 280 LIVE

19:39 , Alex Pattle

Manon Fiorot def. Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

UFC 280 LIVE

19:38 , Alex Pattle

Chookagian vs Fiorot – Round 3

Now it’s Chookagian who lands a counter left hook, before she comes forward with a series of straight punches.

Fiorot tags Chookagian with a straight, southpaw left, then takes down the American with a double-leg!

Chookagian is quick to get back to her feet, however, and she marches down the Frenchwoman.

Unofficially the fight ends with an equal number of significant strikes for both women.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:34 , Alex Pattle

Chookagian vs Fiorot – Round 3

Final round! Forward comes Chookagian. Fiorot snaps back the American’s head with counter puunches.

A counter left hook connects for Fiorot as Chookagian presses forward again – and another.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:31 , Alex Pattle

Chookagian vs Fiorot – Round 2

More left hands are landing for Fiorot. Chookagian is starting to slip behind in this round, though the striking statistics are almost exactly even through two frames.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:29 , Alex Pattle

Chookagian vs Fiorot – Round 2

Fiorot with a straight left hand that lands from southpaw.

The Frenchwoman is starting to catch Chookagian on the end of punches.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:24 , Alex Pattle

Chookagian vs Fiorot – Round 1

Chookagian takes the centre of the ring. She flicks out a few kicks. Fiorot responds with a side kick to the body.

Chookagian evades as Fiorot looks to clinch. Both women now try to fight behind their jabs.

It’s Fiorot who is coming forward now as the round enters its final minute.

UFC 280 LIVE

19:20 , Alex Pattle

And we’re under way...

UFC 280 LIVE

19:07 , Alex Pattle

We’re onto the main card!

Things will kick off with Katlyn Chookagian vs Manon Fiorot in a women’s flyweight contest.

Chookagian missed weight this week so is set to forfeit a percentage of her purse.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:55 , Alex Pattle

Muhammad: “The only thing I heard from coach Khabib in the corner was: ‘Finish him, finish him!’”

UFC 280 LIVE

18:54 , Alex Pattle

Some nice variety from Muhammad there to get the stoppage.

Belal Muhammad def. Sean Brady via second-round TKO (punches, 4:40).

UFC 280 LIVE

18:52 , Alex Pattle

Muhammad vs Brady – Round 2

Brady with a slick switch kick to the body. Still Muhammad comes forward, though he’s tagged with some clean counter punches.

Muhammad slips as Brady kicks his leg. A harsh right hook lands for Muhammad, his best strike so far! Brady certainly felt that, and Muhammad follows it up with a flurry of clean punches!

A big one-two connects! Brady is on the fence and wobbly...

And the ref steps in! Muhammad takes his opponent’s 0 with an onslaught of punches!

UFC 280 LIVE

18:49 , Alex Pattle

Muhammad vs Brady – Round 2

Brady shoots from distance, but Muhammad denies him a takedown again.

Brady just misses with a front kick but connects with a left hook. Now a body kick lands for him.

A counter right hand is on target for Muhammad.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:45 , Alex Pattle

Muhammad vs Brady – Round 1

A fair bit of stance-switching from Brady so far.

The welterweights trade punches now in an intense passage of action! This is better from Muhammad, but Brady lands a fierce punch in retaliation!

Good pressure from Muhammad late in the round, although most of his punches are being blocked.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:43 , Alex Pattle

Muhammad vs Brady – Round 1

Can the unbeaten Brady earn his biggest win yet? Muhammad comes forward early, moving behind jab feints.

A jab lands for Brady, who soon catches a kick and drives Muhammad to the mat.

Muhammad stands and comes forward again, though. He’s struggling to close distance at the moment.

Brady now does just that by shooting for a takedown, but Muhammad stuffs the attempt.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:40 , Alex Pattle

Boos from the Abu Dhabi crowd as Brady is introduced.

Meanwhile, a great reaction for the American’s compatriot Muhammad, who has Khabib in his corner.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:37 , Alex Pattle

Next up is a clash of welterweight contenders, Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady.

This one could have real ramifications for the 170lbs division.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:33 , Alex Pattle

Caio Borralho def. Makhmud Muradov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

The Brazilian moves to 3-0 in the UFC, extending his overall win streak to 10!

UFC 280 LIVE

18:30 , Alex Pattle

Muradov vs Borralho – Round 3

Borralho racks up a fair bit of control time to close out the fight, and that may prove vital.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:29 , Alex Pattle

Muradov vs Borralho – Round 3

Borralho with a side kick to the thigh. Muradov is pressing forward but not throwing much...

Here he comes with a flurry of punches, though, into a successful takedown across the fence!

Again Borralho tries to counter with a guillotine, but he can’t quite lock it in.

The Brazilian does get on top, however, and he rains down punches.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:23 , Alex Pattle

Muradov vs Borralho – Round 2

Muradov ducks under a one-two and tries for a double-leg takedown, but Borralho catches him in a guillotine choke!

Muradov rolls free, but Borralho is able to move into half-guard. Muradov eventually reverses the position and gets into closed guard.

Muradov stays there for a while, but he is trying to advance the position.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:18 , Alex Pattle

Muradov vs Borralho – Round 1

Muradov nearly gets free in a scramble, but Borralho tries to catch him with an armbar...

Muradov escapes, though, and ends up in full guard. He’s been warned numerous times to watch his fingers, the referee worried about an eye poke on Borralho.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:15 , Alex Pattle

Muradov vs Borralho – Round 1

Borralho just mimsses with a head kick from southpaw.

Muradov clips the Brazilian with a hard right overhand.

There’s a frantic spell of striking, before Borralho takes down Muradov and moves into half-guard.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:13 , Alex Pattle

Here we go.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:06 , Alex Pattle

Next up, it’s Makhmud Muradov vs Caio Borralho at middleweight.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:05 , Alex Pattle

Nikita Krylov def. Volkan Oezdemir via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

UFC 280 LIVE

18:03 , Alex Pattle

Oezdemir vs Krylov – Round 3

Krylov is back in Oezdemir’s full guard and trying to be more active this time.

He ends the round and fight on top!

We’ll see how the judges score this, but they will surely favour Krylov.

UFC 280 LIVE

18:01 , Alex Pattle

Oezdemir vs Krylov – Round 3

Krylov links together some hooks and follows them with a head kick, which Oezdemir blocks.

Krylov then switches it up again and takes down Oezdemir against the cage wall.

The Ukrainian is in Oezdemir’s full guard, but referee Marc Goddard warns the light heavyweights and ultimately stands them up for a lack of action.

Oezdemir has to go for it now, but he looks lethargic. Krylov mixes it up nicely, landing a knee to the body then hooks to the head before taking down the former title challenger.

UFC 280 LIVE

17:57 , Alex Pattle

Ahead of the third round, Oezdemir’s corner tells him: “It’s 1-1. You’ve just got to decide if you want to win now.”

UFC 280 LIVE

17:56 , Alex Pattle

Oezdemir vs Krylov – Round 2

“Nikita” is the chant in the Etihad Arena as the Ukrainian gets his fifth takedown from 15 attempts today.

He’s in Oezdemir’s full guard, alternating between trying to advance the position and throwing punches.

UFC 280 LIVE

17:54 , Alex Pattle

Oezdemir vs Krylov – Round 2

Krylov opens the round with a hook kick to the head! He then takes down Oezdemir.

More decent defence from Oezdemir, and he stands against the fence.

Oezdemir gets into space. Krylov clinches and throws a couple of knees.

UFC 280 LIVE

17:49 , Alex Pattle

Oezdemir vs Krylov – Round 1

Oezdemir backs up Krylov with punches, but the Ukrainian stuns him with a knee in close!

Oezdemir stumbles back and falls against the fence, and Krylov soon chases the Swiss to the mat...

Krylov takes his back and seeks a rear naked choke, but Oezdemir escapes and stands!

What a chaotic round!

UFC 280 LIVE

17:47 , Alex Pattle

Oezdemir vs Krylov – Round 1

Oezdemir comes out swinging straight away, and he’s landing with spiteful punches!

It’s a right hook that’s proving most successful for “No Time”, who’s looking to live up to his nickname!

Krylov wisely chooses to grapple with the Swiss, but Oezdemir’s takedown defence is holding up so far...

Eventually the Ukrainian gets him to the mat, but Oezdemir does well to stand and ultimately get free.

UFC 280 LIVE

17:45 , Alex Pattle

Let’s go.

UFC 280 LIVE

17:41 , Alex Pattle

This next fight would be on the main card of most events, but its placement on tonight’s prelims is a testament to how deep this evening’s card is...

Volkan Oezdemir vs Nikita Krylov is up next at light heavyweight.

UFC 280 LIVE

17:37 , Alex Pattle

Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

UFC 280 LIVE

17:35 , Alex Pattle

Nurmagomedov vs Omargadzhiev – Round 3

Omargadzhiev lands a couple of promising strikes but looks exhausted.

His face is busted up, too, and he eats a hard punch in the final seconds of the fight!

We’ll go to the scorecards!

UFC 280 LIVE

17:32 , Alex Pattle

Nurmagomedov vs Omargadzhiev – Round 3

The Russians trade jabs, with both men fighting out of southpaw stances.

Now the welterweights start to look for heavier punches, before Nurmagomedov shoots for another takedown.

Omargadzhiev stuffs it, and the pair stand.

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