Not everything goes according to plan. This would be the case for Islam Makhachev this month.
The top UFC lightweight contender was originally scheduled to face off against Beneil Dariush on Saturday. However, that’d be scrapped after Dariush suffered an ankle injury. On 10 days notice, unranked fighter Bobby Green would step in to save the day.
Makhachev First Asked For Rafael Dos Anjos
Before the contract to fight Green was signed and delivered, Makhachev would reveal 4 ranked lightweights he originally asked to fight instead.
“Beneil have injury, I tell them hey, we have RDA (Rafael Dos Anjos),” Makhachev said on DC & RC. “He supposed to fight with Rafael [Fiziev] but Rafael has some problems with his visa. I say he’s ready, I think. Call him and he say, he don’t want [to fight].”
Other Names
Dos Anjos is already booked against Fiziev at UFC 272, but this wouldn’t stop Makhachev from asking for him. This would come after a few failed fights between the two. However, RDA wasn’t the only name he’d ask to replace Beneil Dariush.
“Call Tony [Ferguson]. Call [Gregor] Gillespie, Michael Chandler, someone.”
Green Is Only Fighting To Make Some ‘Green’
Having trouble finding a line for these fighters, the call was ultimately answered by Bobby Green. ‘King’ is coming off a unanimous decision win over Nasrat Haqparast a little more than week ago.
Let’s just say Islam isn’t all too impressed by him stepping up or the lightweight top 15 apparently declining him.
“Just Bobby gave me answer. I think this guy need a little bit of money. That’s why. All of these guys from top 10, all people talk too much and that’s it.
“I think I’m gonna… I hope I finish him [in the] first round,” Makhachev added. “I know my grappling skills, wrestling skills. I’m going to take him down, make him a little bit tired and make him tap. This is my goal.”