The UFC returns to our screens for another talent-stacked fight card from the Apex Center in Las Vegas. Top-ranked lightweight contenders Islam Makhachev and Bobby Green will meet in the center of the octagon for next weekend’s main event. Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at Makhachev and Green, including updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC betting picks, predictions, and analysis.
Islam Makhachev vs. Bobby Green
UFC Catchweight (160lb) Main Event Bout
Saturday, February 26, 2022 – 10:00 PM EST UFC Apex Center
Islam Makhachev (21-1-0)
30-year-old Dagestani native Islam Makhachev doesn’t require much introduction and praise; his UFC tenure to date has delivered countless impressive victories, as the No.4 ranked lightweight in the world continues his reign towards title contention.
Makhachev is a lifelong friend and training partner of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, so it's no surprise that he’s an International Master of Sport in Combat Sambo. In an eerily similar fashion to his close friend Khabib, Makhachev continues to dominate the opposition even at the sport's highest level.
Training out of American Kickboxing Academy under the tutelage of Javier Mendez and company has unquestionably leveled up the striking offense of Makhachev, making him one of the most dangerous all-around fighters on the UFC roster.
Islam Makhachev MMA Accomplishments
- UFC Fight of the Night (One time)
- Least amount of significant strikes absorbed in UFC history (0.74)
- 2016 FIAS World Combat Sambo Championship Gold Medalist
- Combat Sambo World Champion
- Four-time Combat Sambo Russian National Champion
Makhachev Best Available Odds: to Win ML (-650) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Bobby Green (29-12-1)
At the time of writing, it’s been a mere six days since we last saw Bobby Green compete and dominate the opposition to a unanimous decision. And when fellow lightweight contender Beneil Dariush had to withdraw from next week's main event, Green stepped up on 10-days’ notice like the fearless warrior he is.
Green, aged 35, has taken a while in making a name for himself, having spent the previous nine years as a UFC competitor. However, there’s no time like the present, and Green’s Floyd Mayweather-esque style of striking has reinforced the nickname “King”.
Overcoming the elite level of grappling that Makhachev presents won’t be a simple task, but Green has positioned himself in a win-win situation. If he succeeds, his name will propel into the lightweight divisions top-tier, with a title opportunity looming. And if he losses on ten days’ notice to one of the division's most talented top-5 athletes, it bears no weight in affecting his current status.
Bobby Green MMA Accomplishments
- UFC Fight of the Night (Three times)
- UFC Performance of the Night (One time)
- UFC Submission of the Night (One time)
- King of the Cage Lightweight Championship (One time)
Bobby Green Best Available Odds: to Win ML (+450) with BetOnline
Makhachev Style and How Can Makhachev Defeat Green?
The grappling offense tools at Makhachev’s disposal are unlimited. Single or double-leg takedowns, body-lock takedowns, inside and outside leg trips, and even a suplex or two to add into the mix. One thing is for sure; we’re going to witness a takedown or ten during this contest; it's only a matter of time before the second coming of Khabib has his way in the grappling exchanges.
This isn’t to say Makhachev cannot handle himself on the feet, but the intelligent game plan would be to avoid this area of the fight where his opponent naturally excels.
Green Fight Style and How Can Green Defeat Makhachev?
Although Green has enjoyed bouts of success in recent years, he’s going to need every ounce of strength and determination to avoid the oncoming takedown attempts of Makhachev next weekend.
Green has incredible head movement, slip and roll punches, and a technical striking game that’s taken decades to master. Unfortunately, he’s going to become weary in the smaller-sized UFC Apex octagon with the lightweight divisions most dominant wrestler standing in front of him.
Islam Makhachev vs. Bobby Green Betting Prediction and UFC Vegas 49 Odds
The available odds at Bookmakers Review favor Makhachev with an 86.7% implied probability, as odds of -650 are currently showing the expected dominance from one of Russia’s finest MMA professionals.
Green’s striking is top-notch, but if we’re comparing favorable skill sets, the underdog doesn’t come close to matching Makhachev’s offensive wrestling. For this reason, I anticipate Makhachev will deliver Green his first loss inside the distance since Dustin Poirier in 2016. Despite his impressive durability, it’s challenging to visualize Green surviving 5-rounds of punishing groundwork.
UFC Pick: Makhachev to Win Inside the Distance (-225) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
