The lightweight division in the UFC is one of the deepest and toughest divisions. However, frequently, the pivotal matchups in the division have fallen apart. But fortunately, the UFC has been able to book decent backup fights. Recently, Beneil Dariush had to pull out of a pivotal bout against Islam Makhachev due to an injury.

Even though Bobby Green has stepped up and replaced Dariush, one of the fighters in the lightweight division thinks ‘The King’ was not the first choice for the UFC.

‘The Hangman‘, on The AllStar’s UFC Vegas 49 breakdown show, said, “Like yeah, I’m sure. I’m sure that they would have loved the ranked opponent. And, and you can go through the list of ranked opponents. You can draw down the list of ranked guys that don’t have a fight right now.”

“I guarantee you that every single one of them was asked if they wanted to fight Islam. And there’s a reason Bobby Green took the fight because none of those other guys stepped up to the plate.”

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The former ranked lightweight also fought Islam Makhachev under the same circumstances at UFC 267 and lost the fight via first-round Kimura.

Islam Makhachev vs Bobby Green will be at catch-weight 160 lbs

Even though ‘The King’ has made himself available against the streaking lightweight, the bout will not take place at lightweight. Bobby Green had a successful outing two weeks ago at UFC 271 against a tough opponent, Nasrat Haqparasat.

Perhaps ‘The King’ was not comfortable in making the lightweight limit of 155 lbs. Instead, the bout will take place at a 160 lbs catch-weight.

With Beneil Dariush pulling out, Islam Makhachev’s chances of getting a big fight in the top five of the division is still a dream. Also, if we take a look at the lightweight rankings, there weren’t plenty of options available for Makhachev.

Justin Gaethje (1) will fight the champion, Charles Oliveira; Dustin Poirier (2) is only looking at big fights; Beneil Dariush (3) just pulled out; Islam Makhachev, himself, is number 4; Michael Chandler (5) and Tony Ferguson (7) are rumored to fight; Rafael Dos Anjos (6) is fighting Rafael Fiziev (11); Islam already fought Dan Hooker (8); Conor McGregor (9) is injured.

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Thus, the UFC went with ‘The King’, who looked exceptional in his last bout.

WATCH THIS STORY – Five Times Islam Makhachev Obliterated His Opponents Inside the Octagon

What do you think of Dan Hooker’s comment on lightweight fighters not taking the short notice fight? Does Islam deserve a title shot with the win? Let us know in the comments section below.