On October 22, at the UFC 280 tournament, the Russian won by submission in the second round and won the vacant belt in the lightweight division of the promotion.
“It was an incredible performance. Islam defeated in grappling a fighter whom I considered the best in lightweight. He managed to beat Oliveira at his own game. I believe that Islam has serious power, it is able to wear down its rivals.
He has no crazy technique, there is nothing that I have not seen before. I think he is very, very strong," the American said in an interview with James Lynch's YouTube channel.