A highly impactful contest between Islam Makhachev and Bobby Green will headline Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas.
The main event was initially supposed to feature Makhachev (21-1) versus Beneil Dariush (21-4-1) in a likely No. 1 contender’s bout for the next shot at the UFC lightweight championship, but Dariush was forced to withdraw last week because of a broken fibula. Green (29-12-1) agreed to step in on short notice in a 160-pound catchweight fight.
Makhachev, a teammate and protege of retired undefeated champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, is ESPN’s No. 5-ranked lightweight. Green is not ranked but is coming off an impressive win versus Nasrat Haqparast two weeks ago and would make a huge jump in the division with a victory over Makhachev.
Does Green have what it takes to pull off the upset? Or will Makhachev handle the late opponent change and continue his rise to the top of the division?
Bobby “King” Green might be one of the most likeable and unique characters in the UFC and his decision to fill in as a short notice replacement for Beneil Dariush to take on one of the most feared contenders in the division, and his sincere belief in himself in facing this challenge, only confirms his one-of-a-kind style.
Green has a one inch reach advantage, averaging 5.93 significant strikes landed per minute (SLpM) with a 51 percent striking accuracy, 3.65 strikes absorbed per minute (SApM) with 62 percent striking defense, 1.36 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 38 percent takedown accuracy, 72 percent takedown defense and 0.3 submissions per 15 minutes, according to UFC Stats.
Makhachev is five years younger than Green and averages 2.21 significant strikes landed per minute (SLpM) with a 58 percent striking accuracy, 0.79 strikes absorbed per minute (SApM) with 70 percent striking defense, 3.37 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 66 percent takedown accuracy, 88 percent takedown defense and 1.3 submissions per 15 minutes, according to UFC Stats.
Since all but one of Makhachev’s finishes have come by submission, we can only look one way with regard to exact method of victory. The line for submission opened at +110 but in a day has shifted to -120 and could get wider.
