In five days’ time, Islam Makhachev will fight Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49. Beneil Dariush was the original opponent for Islam to face. However, Dariush was forced out of the contest due to a leg injury. Hence, Green was called upon as the replacement.
Islam Makhachev is often touted as the future of UFC’s lightweight division. The Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé is currently on a 9 fight win streak. His most recent win came against Dan Hooker at UFC 267. Dan Hooker’s ground skills were no match for Islam Makhachev’s wrestling. The latter easily submitted the kiwi and registered the 21st win of his career.
Updated official poster #UFCVegas49 pic.twitter.com/09uUkrNPo3
— Marcel Dorff ???????????????? (@BigMarcel24) February 21, 2022
Bobby Green on the other hand has won 3 of his last 5 fights. He last fought at UFC 271 and emerged victorious against Nasrat Haqparast. He is a veteran of the sport but February 26th’s event will be his first headlining spot in the promotion. Bobby will enter the octagon as a huge underdog. However, can he pull off an upset and shock the entire world? Let’s find out.
Key elements for Bobby Green to beat Islam Makhachev
Bobby Green is reportedly a +470 underdog while Islam Makhachev is a -660 favourite. That is a good reflection of how fans and pundits are expecting this fight to go. On paper, it seems as if it is a massive mismatch and Makhachev should win this fight without much of a fuss. However, if recent history is any indication, then fans should not write off Green just yet.
Islam Makhachev has only one loss on his record. However, that is crucial in this context. He was knocked out by Adriano Martins in his second UFC fight. Although it took place in 2015, it proves that Makhachev can be caught off guard. Hence, Bobby Green will be a dangerous opponent for the Dagestan native.
Bobby Green is a dynamic striker with a background in amateur wrestling. Hence he ticks a lot of boxes for the kind of fighter who may pose some questions for Makhachev. Green’s striking may also be an obstacle for Islam to over. The 35-year old has nothing to lose and he will be motivated to prove the pundits wrong. With that being said, Makhachev should win the fight comfortably as he is more skilled. But it’s the fight game and anything is possible.
