Bobby Green is unquestionably one of the unique characters in modern MMA, and his rise up to his first UFC main event — against Islam Makhachev at UFC Vegas 49 on Saturday — has been a sight to behold.
Green has paid the iron price, so to speak, when it comes to his fighting career. He’s fought to entertain, done it the hard way, and taken every win he’s earned without compromise.
His insistence on entertainment above all else might mean more checks in the loss column than many of his lightweight compatriots. Still, following his performance against Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271, Green had the fans behind him like never before. When he stepped up to face Makhachev just two weeks later, accepting the fight little more than a week out, his status as a bonafide star was all but cemented.
Unfortunately, the path to glory for Bobby Green ran through a Dagestani wrecking machine— and it was not an easy road to take.
Perhaps trying to flip the script, Makhachev opened the affair at UFC Vegas 49 with a high kick. He then went back to his bread and butter, his wrestling, looking for a takedown — which Green was able to fight off. A moral victory for Green, but Makhachev would be back at it moments later. Green fought off a trip attempt, but Makhachev then changed levels, and got the fight down, trapping Green’s arm behind him briefly. Green would free his arm, but Makhachev was still on top. Green had him in half guard, but had to fend off a kimura, which Makhachev used to transition to mount. Green covered up with Makhachev dropping left and rights, and it wasn’t long before the ref had seen enough.
10. In. A. Row 😤
[ @MakhachevMMA | #UFCVegas49 ] pic.twitter.com/l6hlEkKTuL
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2022
The fight never really felt as if it got going. No fairytale ending for Bobby Green. Instead, Islam Makhachev dominated, ending the fight within a round.
After the win, Makhachev said it was time for a title shot. “I’m ready, I’m here, always training hard, just tell me when and where, and that’s it.” There’s a very good chance we see him against the winner of Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje next.
Official Result: Islam Makhachev def. Bobby Green by TKO, Round 1, 3:23
