Islam Makhachev retained the lightweight title by knocking out Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 300.
Islam Makhachev proved his status as UFC lightweight champion by knocking out Justin Gaethje in the fifth round. The fight headlined UFC 300 and lasted nearly until the final bell.
Makhachev's tactical superiority
From the first minutes of the fight, Makhachev dominated on the ground, using his signature wrestling technique. Gaethje tried to counterattack in the stand-up, but 78% of the Russian's takedowns proved effective.
Islam was a machine today. He executed our plan perfectly—wore Gaethje down on the ground to finish the job in the later rounds.
— Хабиб Нурмагомедов, тренер
The climax in the fifth round
The decisive moment came at 3:47 of the fifth round when Makhachev delivered a powerful low kick followed by a striking combination. Gaethje collapsed onto the canvas after a precise uppercut.
After the fight, Makhachev stated he was ready to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan or face a new challenge from Charles Oliveira.