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#4. Islam Makhachev (16-1) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (13-1) (Lightweight)
Two exciting lightweight prospects looked to make a big statement in the highly rewarding co-main event of the night. This was set to be Islam's seventh Octagon appearance against Arman, who was making his UFC debut. This was bound to be wild, but did it live up to its billing?
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Round 1: Arman got things going with a few kicks and feints. He slipped and Islam rushed in to take advantage.
Tsarukyan calmed down and clinched with Makhachev near the fence. A beautiful sequence ensued as Islam got Arman down to the mat.
They got back to their feet and back to the ground again. They scrambled as Arman got hold of Islam's neck in the end.
Arman grabbed Islam's back and tried to take him down. Islam resisted, but Arman was relentless. He got him down on many occasions in quick succession but Islam stayed firm. Arman wasn't in the mood to let go of Islam's back. Some brilliant wrestling sequences in that round.
10-9 Islam Makhachev
Round 2: Arman went for the overhead kick. Both men checked their range. Arman changed levels and went for the double leg. Islam stuffed it easily.
Arman caught Islam on the break with a right hook. Another lead kick from Arman and he then shot for another takedown but settled for a clinch.
Arman looked to get wrist control for the trip but Islam kept the distance in the clinch. It was Islam now who looked for the leg sweep and the takedown. Arman was the one defending and he did well.
Arman almost got in an armbar but Islam shifted his body in time to release the pressure. The back-and-forth grappling tug of war continued. It was exhausting just watching it, imagine actually doing it!
The round ended with both men in the clinch.
10-9 Islam Makhachev
Round 3: Both men traded big shots to begin the final round. A nice overhand right by Arman. Islam answered with a hard-hitting kick.
Arman went for the body shot and immediately went for the double leg. Islam defended and pushed Arman to the corner. Arman almost caught Islam with a big shot again on the break.
Islam sensed Arman's fatigue was setting in and pushed him to the cage and scored a huge takedown. Islam with the Dagestani handcuffs from the back. Arman forced his way to the feet and clinched. He looked tired and kept peeking at the clock.
Islam scored his fourth takedown and kept Arman down near the fence to end the fight.
10-9 Islam Makhachev
Result: Islam Makhachev def. Arman Tsarukyan via Unanimous Decision
That was some high quality wrestling! In the end, local fan favourite and Khabib Nurmagomedov's teammate, Islam Makhachev picked up a big victory - his sixth in the UFC.
