Islam Makhachev is looking for his title after defeating another competitor in UFC Vegas 49’s main event.
The Dagestani powerhouse needed less than one round to finish Bobby Green after planting him on the canvas with a takedown and never allowing the veteran fighter to get back up again. As soon as Makhachev got on top, he began raining down blows in succession that had Green trapped without any room to escape.
Following a number of unanswered shots with Green only able to cover up to defend himself, referee Herb Dean saw enough to stop the contest with the end coming at just 3:23 in the opening round.
“I feel great,” Makhachev stated after his 10 third consecutive victory in succession. I’m happy. I’m training so hard for this fight. I was waiting for Beneil [Dariush], I think he’ll fix his [injury] very soon and we can meet again.”
Although Makhachev was the overwhelming favorite heading into the fight, Beneil Dariush suffered an injury that forced him out of the main show. Green was replaced on two weeks notice by Green. However, there was still the possibility of Makhachev winning the title.
Regardless of the stakes, Makhachev looked every bit a future champion with his performance as he dominated Green from the first second of the fight until the very last.
It didn’t take long for 30-year-old former Sambo champion to close the distance, push Green against the cage and then drop down to grab onto the legs to bring the fight crashing to the canvas. Once he was on top, Makhachev was a suffocating force as usual while pressing his full weight down on Green and looking to shred his opponent’s defense.
It was just a matter seconds until Makhachev moved into the mount, and Green was left living on borrowed time.
Makhachev was relentless with his ground and pound as he just blasted away with lefts and rights from the top while Green could only try to twist and turn to avoid taking any more damage. Green tried his best but couldn’t break away from Makhachev, who was just hitting him from the top.
When it became clear that Green was simply covering his head and demonstrating little resistance, the referee was forced to end the contest. Makhachev was immediately thrilled with his win.
Green was understandably upset with the loss but he also gave credit to Makhachev for a job well done.
“I’m really disappointed,” Green said. “But this is what happens when you try to throw something together so fast. He did what he promised .”
, and he finished the job.
Heading into Saturday night, Makhachev was already being declared the de facto No. 1 contender in the lightweight division but he cemented his place with another lopsided win in the UFC Vegas 49 main event.
Now, it seems he will wait for the title fight between Charles Oliveira (reigning champion) and Justin Gaethje (UFC 274). In May, to find out who is next.
” I just want to fight for the title,” Makhachev stated. I’m exhausted about all of these things. I need a title fight. I am ready, I am here. Tell me where and when, that’s .”
