Islam Makhachev did what he does best as he once again dominated his opponent on the ground, to pick up yet another stoppage win at UFC Vegas 49 against Bobby Green in the main event. Earlier scheduled to take on Beneil Dariush, Makhachev found Bobby Green as a short-notice match-up after Dariush had to withdraw from the bout due to a leg injury.
10. In. A. Row ????
[ @MakhachevMMA | #UFCVegas49 ] pic.twitter.com/l6hlEkKTuL
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2022
Needless to say, that was no problem for Islam Makhachev, who maintained his dominance to pick up his tenth straight win inside the Octagon. Makhachev and Green shared several lek-kicks in the opening moments of the round, but once the fight was on the ground, it was only a matter of seconds before Makhachev was able to find a full-mount position and unleash a brutal ground and pound on Green. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight in the closing moments of the first round to award Islam Makhachev with his tenth straight win inside the cage.
One of the best in the world ????
[ @MakhachevMMA | #UFCVegas49 ] pic.twitter.com/rxBpfYJzVq
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2022
With this win, there’s no denying the championship shot to Islam Makhachev, however, uncertainty still looms considering Bobby Green was not a top-ranked opponent. So what’s next for Islam Makhachev after UFC Vegas 49? Let’s take a look.
Is a title shot next for Islam Makhachev after UFC Vegas 49?
With ten fight winning streak, it’s hard to deny a title shot to Islam Makhachev, however, the lightweight division looks kind of in a mess right now. There’s Justin Gaethje waiting for his title opportunity against Charles Oliveira after the emphatic win against Michael Chandler in his last fight.
Congratulations @MAKHACHEVMMA #UFCVegas49
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) February 27, 2022
Moreover, there are fighters like Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier who could find themselves in the title picture with just one exciting win to their name. However, Beneil Dariush’s position in the UFC’s lightweight division raises most eyebrows, considering his incredible seven-fight win-streak.
DOUBT HIM NOW.
IT’S TEN STRAIGHT WINS FOR @MakhachevMMA. #UFCVegas49 pic.twitter.com/UmFCJyGec4
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) February 27, 2022
If that was not enough, the return of Conor McGregor could also pose problems for Islam Makhachev, who will definitely look to fight for the UFC gold next. If a title shot is not the next option, Makhachev could find himself opposite someone like Michael Chandler, or the winner of Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev next. Only time will tell what lies ahead for Islam Makhachev, but it’s safe to say that the UFC gold doesn’t look too far.
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