Islam Makhachev is back in the limelight this weekend with a main event slot at UFC Vegas 49. Initially, the Dagestani was due to meet Beneil Dariush on Saturday. However, Dariush was forced to withdraw with an injury. Instead, Makhachev will face late replacement Bobby Green.
Last time out Makhachev impressed with a first round submission over Dan Hooker. That victory pushed his record to 21-1 and has him knocking on the door of a title shot in the lightweight division.
Makhachev’s rise through the 155 lb rankings has been marshalled by his close friend and longtime training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov.