No, it was not the signature win over a fellow contender that he and his team had hoped for. But Islam Makhachev made a statement that was necessary to present himself as a contender for the next UFC lightweight title.
Makhachev dominated Bobby Green, ending with a ground-and-pound TKO in 3 minutes, 23 seconds of the first round in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas. Makhachev got the beat against Cage, shot for a double leg takedown, and then went to work. He was quickly on Green's back and came down big shots until referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop it.
"I just want a title fight," Makhachev said in his postfight interview. "Not anymore. I'm tired of all these things. I need a title fight. I'm ready. Here I am."
Green, whose last fight was just two weeks earlier, came on 10 days' notice after breaking his leg in training from Makhachev's original rival, Benil Darysh, and was forced to withdraw. Makhchev-Darysh was billed as a potential lightweight title eliminator bout.
Dariush is ranked No. 4 in the world by ESPN at 155 pounds. Coming in 2011, ESPN ranked Makhachev the No. 5 in the world in light weight. The short-information nature of the competition resulted in Makhachev versus Green at a catchweight of 160 pounds.
Makhachev will have to wait a little longer for the title opportunity, if it succeeds. Charles Oliveira will defend the lightweight belt against Justin Gaethje on May 9 at UFC 274. Makhachev is likely to be next to the winner of that match.
"Just tell me when and where," said Makhachev.
Makhachev (21-1) has won 10 straight and 11 of his last 12 in the UFC. A native of Dagestan, he is a longtime training partner of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is now his coach. Makhachev, 30, was expected to take the torch from Nurmagomedov and emerge victorious after Nurmagomedov's retirement. This was the plan set by Nurmagomedov's late father, Abdulmanap, the longtime coach of both men.
Green (29-12-1), a fan favorite, was on a career roll of late, winning five of his last seven fights and two straight. A native of California, he defeated Nasrat Haqparast via unanimous decision at UFC 271 on February 12. Green, 35, has been a pro fighter in the UFC for 14 years and since 2013.
"I'm really disappointed, but that's what happens when you try to throw things together so fast," Green said.