It wasn’t thrill-a-minute stuff, but it’s another win for #15 ranked UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev.
The Dagestan native extended his winning streak to six with a unanimous decision over Davi Ramos on the UFC 242 main card in Abu Dhabi. The pro-Makhachev crowd saw Makhachev outstrike Ramos and largely avoid Ramos’ vaunted grappling abilities. Makhachev did get stunned by a jab in round two, but he nearly knocked Ramos out in the final round and proved to the more accurate, technical fighter on the feet.
Makhachev tried to initiate the first grappling exchange with a quick level-change off a straight left hand. Ramos was able to stuff the takedown and keep the fight standing. A sharp uppercut-straight left combo sent Ramos’ head backwards. It was hardly a high-paced affair, but Makhachev landed the better strikes.
Round two started out much more exciting than the previous round, with Makchachev landing upstairs and Ramos responding with a flurry and a takedown attempt. Makhachev stopped it and they were briefly in a clinch before Islam separated. The pattern of slow, single-strikes continued, but Ramos had Makhachev rocked momentarily with a jab. Makhachev responded in kind with a straight left down the middle. A counter right and a left, followed by a knee all had success for Islam. Ramos tarted bleeding out of his nose. Ramos failed to capitalize on that big shot he landed on Makhachev and was outstruck the remainder of the frame.
A huge knee by Makhachev hurt and dropped Ramos just seconds into round 3. Makhachev uncorked a series of punches in search of a finish, but Ramos was able to survive. Makhachev stayed in Ramos’ guard, and while Ramos is a talented and accomplished grappler, he mustered up nothing from his back. It was essentially 4+ minutes of Makhachev securing the round and the fight.
Official result: Islam Makhachev def. Davi Ramos by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
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