Recently, Beniel Dariush got injured and Bobby Green had to replace him for the fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC Vegas 48. This led to an unwanted delay in Makhachev’s journey for the title shot. As many thought the fight between Makhachev and Dariush was to determine the no 1 contender, it now got derailed.
However, what might be more upsetting is Islam‘s journey getting delayed if Conor McGregor gets the title shot ahead of him in his return fight. When asked about the same, Javier Mendez replied saying:
“That’s part of the game you know, he carries the big numbers. So whatever the UFC decides. I’m expecting anything can happen with that guy that has the power to do that you know. Do I like it? Absolutely not but do I have a choice? Absolutely no” to Submission Radio.
Now many fight fans might argue that Conor is undeserving to get the title shot. But, they can’t deny the fact that he is a crowd favorite, he sells PPV, and UFC would be more than happy to give him the opportunity. Moreover, Oliveira wouldn’t mind such big payday opportunities as well.
That’s exactly what Mendez explained. According to him, the UFC is not a true sport. “This is not a true sport, this is entertainment first, sports second” said Mendez. And who is better than the “Notorious” when it comes to entertainment.
However, this won’t upset the Russian coach. But, he will be upset as he said “I am prepared for whatever they(UFC) do. I am not going to be upset one way or another.”
Why should Islam Makhachev get the title shot if he beats Bobby Green?
Charles is currently on a 10 fight win streak. Apart from him, no one in the top five is on such a crazy streak except Islam Makhachev. There’s is Beneil Dariush, but we know the story. If he beats Bobby at UFC Vegas 49, he will match with Oliveira’s current streak. Explaining the same as an argument on why should Makhachev get the title shot, Mendez further stated:
“The point of the matter is this. He’s on an eight-fight winning streak or a nine-fight winning streak. He beats Bobby Green… that’s a nine or ten fight winning streak. Who else has that? Who else is in the top five? I think Islam Makhachev gets the title shot with the win against Bobby Green like he should.”
Charles Oliveira is scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. This will be his second title defense. It would be interesting to see how things will turn out after that. Will Islam Makhachev get the title shot, if he beats Green?