The Pro Take: Islam Makhachev Dominates in Tenth Straight Victory

Islam Makhachev UFC Vegas 49
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 25: Islam Makhachev of Russia poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at UFC APEX on February 25, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

With Beneil Dariush pulling out of his UFC Vegas 49 fight against Islam Makhachev due to an injury, the UFC was in scramble mode to find a replacement to face one of the top lightweights in the world: Islam Makhachev. While a number of top ten fighters reportedly turned down the match-up, Bobby Green took to social media to let the world know he was ready to step in just a few weeks after his decision victory against Nasrat Haqparast.

The moment that Bobby Green signed on to accept the fight with Islam Makhachev, the narrative shifted. A number one contender’s bout suddenly became an underdog story, as Green had the chance to upset the huge favourite in Makhachev. In reality, Bobby Green had the opportunity to turn the entire lightweight division upside down with a win against the Dagestani.

Islam Makhachev of course had been on a tear over the last few years, and to him it didn’t seem to matter whether he was facing Beneil Dariush or Bobby Green. Victory was the only thing on his mind, that and locking up a title shot. Being on a nine-fight win streak, Islam had high hopes that a tenth victory within the UFC would be the charm to confirm a date with whoever had the title after the Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 274.

There was no upset happening at UFC Vegas 49, as Islam Makhachev proved once again why he is a top contender for the UFC lightweight title. Once the fight got to the ground, Islam Makhachev made the ground-and-pound victory look easy. A dominant performance from Makhachev, making it ten victories in a row.

PROS GIVE THEIR TAKE

Here is how the pros reacted to the UFC Vegas 49 main event and Islam Makhachev coming away victorious.

Praise for Islam Makhachev

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