UFC Vegas 49 has taken a hit, but all is not lost for Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev was set to take on Beneil Dariush in the UFC Vegas 49 headliner on February 26. It was essentially a title eliminator with many believing the winner would likely get the next lightweight title shot.
However, it was reported by Ariel Helwani on Tuesday that Dariush had to withdraw due to an ankle injury with no word on what was the plan going forward at the time.
“Next week’s Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush main event fight is off, sources say. Dariush injured his ankle and was forced to withdraw. No word yet on if Makhachev will remain on the card and/or what’s the new Feb. 26 headliner.”
Next week’s Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush main event fight is off, sources say.
Dariush injured his ankle and was forced to withdraw. No word yet on if Makhachev will remain on the card and/or what’s the new Feb. 26 headliner.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 17, 2022
Bobby Green To Step In On Short Notice Against Islam Makhachev
Many began to speculate who could possibly step in to fight Makhachev. However, Bobby Green more than willingly put his name in the hat.
Make way for the 👑
(And no I have no idea…I just get my hopes up here 😅) pic.twitter.com/NWxNTrUztY
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) February 17, 2022
A couple of hours later and it turned out both Green and Makhachev had verbally agreed to face each other. Nothing is official yet, though, and it will likely be a catchweight bout.
“What’s that you say? Bobby Green in his UFC main event? How about taking on Islam Makhachev in 10 days? Per sources, Green will replace the injured Beneil Dariush on Feb. 26 against a Makhachev. Not done yet, and likely a catch weight. But both have agreed to the fight.”
What’s that you say? Bobby Green in his UFC main event? How about taking on Islam Makhachev in 10 days? Per sources, Green will replace the injured Beneil Dariush on Feb. 26 against a Makhachev. Not done yet, and likely a catch weight. But both have agreed to the fight. pic.twitter.com/3hpRYd8ZFt
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 17, 2022
As aforementioned, it will be Green’s first main event and he certainly deserves it.
Especially as he only competed at UFC 271 this past weekend when he easily outpointed Nasrat Haqparast over three rounds. It was his second win in a row as well as his fifth in his last seven overall.
As for Makhachev, this is not an ideal scenario, as many were already questioning his resume and felt Dariush would be a true test. Likely to be a huge favorite, the Dagestan native potentially defeating Green to earn a title shot won’t look the best on paper either.
However, it’s better than no fight.
