UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev blasts Conor McGregor’s title shot claims

UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev made quick work of late replacement Bobby Green in the UFC Vegas 49 main event on Saturday.

The Russian (21-1) has won 10 straight fights and 11 of his last 12 UFC bouts after his first round TKO against American Green. 

During the event’s post-fight press conference at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Makhachev was asked about a potential fight against former two-division champion Conor McGregor.

The Russian sealed a TKO in the first round of the main event in Vegas in a dominant display

Makhachev shuts down talk of a potential fight with former two-time champion Conor McGregor 

‘Honestly, I don’t remember when this guy beat someone,’ Makhachev said. ‘I’m going to smash him like easy. Bobby Green is going to be harder for me than for him.’ 

Makhachev dominated Bobby Green, finishing with a ground-and-pound TKO at 3 minutes, 23 seconds of the first round in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. 

Makhachev got Green against the cage, shot for a double-leg takedown and then went to work. 

He quickly had Green’s back and landed big shots from there until referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop it.

Makhachev celebrates his victory over Green, but he insists he now wants a shot at the UFC lightweight title

He was originally supposed to face Beneil Dariush at UFC Vegas 49 before Dariush pulled out after suffering an injury in camp.

‘I just want a title fight,’ Makhachev said in his postfight interview. ‘No more. I’m tired of all these things. I need title fight. I’m ready. I’m here.’ 

Charles Oliveira will defend the lightweight belt against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 on May 9 with Makhachev seeming likely to be next for the winner of that bout.

‘Just tell me when and where,’ Makhachev said.