Beneil Dariush has been pulled from his fight against UFC’s rising star Islam Makhachev. The lightweight revealed that he sustained an ankle injury and will be replaced by Bobby Green in a 160-pound catchweight bout.
The thrilling lightweight contest was scheduled to take place on Feb. 26. Given that Justin Gaethje and UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira are scheduled to fight later this year, the bout had many fans excited to see the division progressing. UFC officials confirmed with ESPN on Wednesday that Dariush was out of his Feb. bout.
Per sources, Bobby Green (@BobbyKGreen) vs. Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) will be contested at 160 pound catchweight. Main event, Feb. 26. Five rounds.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 17, 2022
According to Beneil Dariush, his foot got caught underneath the canvas while he was training. As he took his training partner to the ground, the lightweight apparently injured his ankle amidst the scramble Currently, there is no timeframe for his recovery.
While both competitors are on the cusp of fighting for a world title, those lofty goals will have to wait for Dariush as he heals up from this injury. After Dariush was forced out of competition, the promotion quickly moved on and dubbed Bobby Green as the replacement. In addition, the new bout against Makhachev will reportedly take place at 160-pounds.
Bobby Green to Replace Dariush on Feb. 26 Card Against Islam Makhachev
As it stands, Islam Makhachev won his last nine fights with the UFC. The lightweight has looked especially impressive in his last three bouts. Facing Drew Dober in 2021, Makhachev sent the contender to the back of the line after securing a crafty arm-triangle choke from guard. In another display of versatile grappling, the Russian native defeated Thiago Moisés in the fourth round with a rear-naked choke. This fight demonstrated Makhachev’s ability to go into the championship rounds in a highly active contest. Then, In his last win, he stopped Dan Hooker by submission in Oct.
Bobby Green has agreed to take the fight with Islam Makhachev. Serving as Green’s first main event in the UFC, it’s nice to see a veteran getting his dues after so many fights with the company. Green is 29-12-1 overall with an aesthetically pleasing style. The bout between Green and Makhachev is scheduled to take place in roughly one week, so it makes sense the promotion targeted a catchweight of 160lbs for the potential contest.
Islam Makhachev has looked outstanding under the UFC banner, and now fans will get an idea of how the contender handles a short-notice change of opponent. For Green, the bout could serve as his coming out party depending on the results. Either way, the bout has fireworks written all over it.
Who do you favor in the 160-pound catchweight bout between Islam Makhachev and Bobby Green?
