Khabib's Instruction And Rear-naked Choke, Makhachev's Key To Victory

JAKARTA - Islam Makhachev finally succeeded in defeating Thiago Moises via a Rear-naked Choke submission victory in the fourth round. This fight is the main match in UFC Vegas 31 at UFC Apex, Las Vegas, United States, Sunday (18/7) morning WIB, after Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriguez, cancelled.

In this match, Khabib Nurmagomedov is believed to have had a big hand in the victory of one of his students over the Brazilian fighter. From behind the ring, for most of the match, the former UFC lightweight champion gave instructions to his students.

Even at every break between rounds, Khabib always gave instructions on the exact tactics that Makhachev had to carry out. The student looked attentively listening and finally practiced Khabib's strategy.

"It doesn't matter how many fights, I'm going to smash everybody."@MakhachevMMA feels confident that he isn't far from earning a title shot after his win at #UFCVegas31 ️Final #UFCVegas31 Results ⤵️:

— UFC News (@UFCNews) July 18, 2021

Like during the break after the first round, Khabib made a gesture asking Makhachev to dare to throw a punch and then invites him to the bottom fight. This tactic was immediately executed by Makhachev in the second round. Makhachev appeared to be hitting more and then taking Moises into the bottom fight.

At halftime after the second round, Khabib looked even more chatty when giving instructions to Makhachev. As a result, Makhachev performed even better in the third round. Furthermore, entering the fourth round, Makhachev appeared more ferocious and was able to regain control of the fight.

As a formidable wrestler, Makhachev was in no hurry to take the fight to the floor. However he tested Moises' legs a few times with some of his attacks. The match ended at 2:38 minutes in the fourth round when Makhachev locked his opponent with a rear-naked choke.

In the end, thanks to Khabib's precise instructions, Makhachev managed to beat Moises via submission or lockout in the fourth round.

This is the eighth successive victory for Khabib's cousin. This victory also adds to Makhachev's record of 20 wins and one defeat in the UFC event during his career.

In his first major event at UFC Vegas 31, this Russian athlete came out with an almost flawless performance. He continued to attack Thiago Moises round after round before finally finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke.

Overall Makhachev fought well in controlling the distance. He even insists on striking with his hind legs while sustaining punches from the outside and knees whenever his opponent tries to get up.

“This is the first four round fight of my life. That's why it's a good experience for me. Tough opponent. I tried to finish in four rounds but he is very strong," Makhachev said after the win to mmafighting.com