UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik believes Islam Makhachev deserves to be recognized for the year he had in 2022. Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) pounded out short-notice replacement Bobby Green in February before dominating and submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 to capture the vacant lightweight title in October. Makhachev long has been the protege of former undefeated lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, who passed him the torch as soon as he retired.
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