Islam Makhachev, protege to Khabib Nurmagomedov and widely touted future lightweight champ, wants to step up at UFC 272. Although Makhachev’s last fight was only days ago, the young Dagestani is willing to step in and replace a COVID-stricken Rafael Fiziev and take on the former lightweight champ, Rafael dos Anjos.
Dos Anjos himself is happy to meet Islam in the Octagon. Only minutes after The MMA Hour confirmed that Fiziev was unable to fight on the UFC 272 card, RDA declared that he was happy to take on Makhachev, even if he doesn’t believe the younger man has earned a title shot just yet.
Islam Makhachev Rumored to Replace Fiziev vs RDA At UFC 272
Makhachev recently declared that he wants to end reigning champ Charles Oliveira’s winning streak, but Rafael dos Anjos, who once held the belt himself, does not believe he’s done enough to earn it. “We knew what he was going to do.
Seems like Bobby Green stepped in to collect his check and he did it. He went in, collected his check, and walked away. The guy fought two weeks ago. We know how hard it is to get ready, to fight.
I don’t want to take any credit from anybody but it is what it is. Bobby Green went there, filled up the hole, saved the card, make his money, that’s it.
I don’t think [Makhachev deserves a title shot], to be honest with you. He’s got a 10 [fight] win streak, but look at his résumé. He didn’t fight any top guys, any top contenders. He was supposed to fight Benny [Dariush] but unfortunately Benny got injured. So I don’t think so.”
Three times in the past RDA and Makhachev have been scheduled to fight, and each time the fight was cancelled. It seems only appropriate that, in the wake of yet another fighter pulling out of a main card event, this long-awaited lightweight clash may finally take place.
Dos Anjos said he’s “game” if Makhachev is. Unfortunately, he doubts that Makhachev will step up. “I’m game. Like I told you, I’m always game. I’ll fight anybody. I fight. I’m a fighter. I’m here to fight anybody Saturday.
These guys, they don’t fight like that. They have to have the perfect fight camp, everything perfect, blah, blah, blah, so they can fight. They’re not gonna do it.
I’ll fight anybody. I’m a fighter. I’m willing to fight. I can’t throw a fight camp away right now, at this stage of my career.” Do you think Makhachev vs dos Anjos will actually go ahead at UFC 272? Let us know in the comments.
