Islam Makhachev is set to make UFC history this weekend with a successful lightweight title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311.

Breaking Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, and Benson Henderson's record of three lightweight defenses is one way Makhachev can step out of the shadow of 'The Eagle.' However, one little-known fact is that Makhachev began to exceed Nurmagomedov in his fifth UFC appearance against Gleison Tibau.

Nurmagomedov fought Tibau in his second UFC appearance on the undercard of Michael Bisping vs. Vitor Belfort in January 2013. Their three-round fight was as tight as it gets, with Tibau out landing Nurmagomedov and defending 13 takedowns while securing one of his own.

The first round was narrow, with both men landing subtle shots and defending takedowns; Nurmagomedov's cage control got him the edge. In the second round, Tibau landed big with a left hand and defended all of Nurmagomedov's offense while securing a takedown. A cut on Tibau's brow and some dogfighting from Nurmagomedov might have swayed the judges' decision.

"Gleison at this part in the game seems to be the better fighter," Commentator Joe Rogan said in the opening minute of the third round. As the fight played out, the Brazilian continued being a brick wall for Nurmagomedov. "We both think he'll probably lose by decision," Rogan continued.

Nurmagomedov took a unanimous decision, 30-27, on all scorecards, though five of six media members and 54 percent of fans had it for Tibau.

While the Tibau fight remained a wrinkle in Nurmagomedov's career, his protégé, Makhachev, had the chance to test his mettle against Tibau in 2018.

Makhachev passed with flying colors, knocking out Tibau with a massive overhand left as he went for a lazy leg kick. It took less than a minute, all in all. However, it's worth mentioning that the version of Tibau that fought Nurmagomedov had just defeated future lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. He was on a two-fight losing streak against Makhachev.