The UFC has achieved a fairly good job of inflating Bobby Inexperienced as an upcoming substitute fighter at UFC Vegas 49, giving loads of hope that trash speak, and gun wielding may be the man giving Islam Makhachev some hassle. In the long run he did not: Makhachev blew up Inexperienced’s defenses and simply fell, climbing on him and compelled to cease simply three minutes into their struggle (see the factors right here).
On the post-fight press convention, Makhachev stated there have been no nerves with the last-minute change from Benil Dariush to Bobby Inexperienced after Dariush broke his leg.
“That is essentially the most tough coaching camp for me as a result of I used to be getting ready for Benil and I do know that Benil is an effective fighter with good abilities, so I skilled onerous for this struggle,” stated Makhachev. “And once they change the opponent and provides me Bobby, I do know for positive this man is not prepared for this.”
“I’ve to respect this man. I am so glad Herb Dean stopped this struggle as a result of he did not give me a little bit of a smash, nevertheless it’s okay. [Green] Discuss somewhat yesterday, I did not hear he stated a foul phrase or one thing. I do not know, I do not know. I simply respect him. For me he is an effective man. He has a coronary heart, accepts a struggle in ten days. He made cash, and he is comfortable too, and I see in his face that he is comfortable.”
Based mostly on what UFC President Dana White despatched to Makhachev coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, it appears to be like like Islam is subsequent in line for the light-weight title towards winner Charles Oliveira and Justin Gethje, a struggle that can come down in Could. Requested if he can be prepared to enter as a precaution in case one thing occurred to struggle, Islam answered within the damaging.
“To step in, we’ve some guys like Dos Anjos or Michael Chandler,” he stated. “I deserve. I’ve 10 straight wins within the final 11 months. I have been coaching onerous. Subsequent week I am able to struggle. Subsequent pay-per-view provide. However I deserve somewhat word. I need to struggle in Abu Dhabi. I’ve many pals, household and pals staying Exterior as a result of they cannot come to Apex. I need to struggle for the title in Abu Dhabi when all of the followers assist me.”
As for who thinks he’ll win between Oliveira and Gaethje at UFC 273?
“I feel it is going to be a very good struggle as a result of these guys are at a excessive stage,” Makhachev stated. “Charles has improved his hitting approach and he has extra of Justin within the flooring match. I feel they’re going to hit somewhat bit, after which Charles will kill him and take his again and take him on the market. Like spherical three, or spherical two.”
You possibly can inform that Makhachev was excited to check his abilities towards present champion Oliveira.
“I feel it is going to be a very good match,” he stated. “As a result of this man’s good at punching and wrestling. I’ll make him drained, I press him, I make him surrender. As a result of this man, I do know that when someone goes with him three or 4 rounds and provides him a tough punch and a tough time, he can end some individuals by choking. When he would not, He provides up on a regular basis. However I’ve extra wrestling abilities than him.”
“He’ll attempt to get me to the bottom, however it will be very onerous for him.”
After all, there’s at all times the ghost of Conor McGregor floating across the edges of the light-weight. Particularly given Makhachev’s shut relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov. However Islam performed an excellent half within the state of affairs, laughing on the thought of McGregor leaping on the road earlier than saying he would fortunately struggle “The Infamous”…if he might win one first.
“Truthfully, I don’t bear in mind when this man beat somebody,” Makhachev stated. “He ought to come again and hit somebody, then… let’s go, why not? I’m going to smash him simply. Bobby Inexperienced might be tougher on me than he’s.”