This past weekend at UFC Vegas 49, Bobby Green (29-13, 1 NC) had a chance to come in and shock the world. Green was taking on the man who many believe is currently the best lightweight in the promotion, Islam Makhachev (22-1).
Makhachev was set to take on Beneil Dariush, but Dariush injured his leg about a week before the event. The UFC needed a replacement. They looked to Bobby Green who had just fought a week and a half prior.
Green jumped at the opportunity to take on one of the best in the world in a main event. It was Green’s first UFC main event which was long overdue. Green came into the fight with a punchers chance and was going to need to land something big to get the job done.
However, he really never got a chance to do so. After an initial feeling out process, Makhachev dove on Green’s legs and secured a takedown. Makhachev went through the guard to secure a dominant position. Green would go on to get stopped in the first at UFC Vegas 49.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 49?
Let’s be clear in that Bobby Green didn’t lose an ounce of ground in terms of his placement in the division. In fact, he earned himself a better position with the UFC by being willing to take on the short-notice main event.
Clearly, Green was overmatched in that spot. However, he was willing to take the chance and he did the UFC a massive favor. Now that this main event is behind him, the promotion needs to give him a fight with someone in the same ballpark in terms of division placement.
There’s one fight that comes to mind that I think would be a ton of fun. I think the matchup for the UFC to make is booking Bobby Green against Brad Riddell (10-2). Riddell just lost his first UFC fight to Rafael Fiziev who also recently beat Bobby Green.
These two would have a sensational striking matchup that fight fans would be drawn too. Sign me up for this one all day everyday and don’t be shocked if this gets booked next.