Rafael dos Anjos believes Islam Makhachev does not deserve to fight for the lightweight title, despite winning 10 fights in a row, with his most recent victory coming against Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49.
Makhachev made light work of Green this past weekend at UFC Vegas 49, where he stopped his opponent in the first round. ‘King’ accepted the fight on 10 days’ notice after Beneil Dariush was forced out due to injury. The Dagestani is currently riding a 10 fight winning streak and has finished his last four opponents, most notably Dan Hooker, who he defeated by submission in the first round at UFC 267.
Rafael dos Anjos On Islam Makhachev
With an uber impressive winning streak, the Russian believes he deserves to fight for the belt, but dos Anjos begs to differ. Speaking on MMA Fighting’s The MMA Hour, the Brazilian explained why Makhachev does not deserve a title shot.
“Seems like Bobby Green stepped in to collect his cheque and he did it,” dos Anjos said. “He went in, collected his cheque, 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.”
‘I’ll Fight Anybody’
Dos Anjos was scheduled to fight Rafael Fiziev in the UFC 272 co-main event this weekend, but with the Kyrgyzstani pulling out due to COVID, RDA is currently looking for a replacement. A number of lightweights, including Makhachev, have volunteered to step in on short notice to face the former lightweight champion, who said that he’ll fight anybody.
“I’m game. Like I told you, I’m always game,” dos Anjos said. “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.”
Do you agree with Rafael dos Anjos?
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