Khabib reveals Dana White’s plans for Lightweight title after Islam Makhachev’s UFC Vegas 49 win

Dana White wasn’t on hand at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, following Islam Makhachev’s quick and easy dispatch of Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49 last night (Sat., Feb. 26, 2022). But, UFC’S president reportedly did get in touch with Islam’s friend and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, to give him the inside scoop on future plans.

Makhachev cut through late replacement Green like a hot knife through butter, forcing the referee to step in at 3:23 of the first round after the Dagestani mounted “King” and started raining down strikes (watch the finish here). Originally the No. 4-ranked Makhachev was set to fight No. 3-seeded Beneil Dariush with the winner being promised a Lightweight title shot. But, a broken fibula forced Dariush to pull out and it was a big question mark as to whether Makhachev was still on deck for a shot if he beat Green.

According to Khabib, White is saying he is.

“[Dana] say he’s really focused on Islam fighting versus winner of Charles and Justin Gaethje end of this year,” Khabib told UFC reporter Megan Olivi after the fights. “Dana say they gonna make very big show in Abu Dhabi at end of this year. And I think there is this place where Islam is going compete and fight for the title.”

“Dana just called Khabib and said, ‘He’s going to fight for the title next,’” Makhachev added in his own Olivi interview. “Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi, I’m gonna come home soon.”

Current Lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, takes on Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 on May 7, 2022, and if Khabib gets his way it’ll be the Brazilian “Do Bronx” facing his star pupil, Makhachev.

“For UFC it’s gonna be better if Oliveira wins, 11 win streak versus 10 win streak,” Nurmagomedov said. “Two new bloods for the Lightweight division. And I really want Charles and Islam to fight. But ,I’m not gonna be surprised because Justin Gaethje has so much experience and big heart. If you wanna beat him you have to finish him. If it doesn’t finish I think Justin Gaethje gonna win this fight if Charles don’t finish him.”

So what say you, Maniacs? Does Makhachev deserve a 155-pound title shot after taking out a late replacement? Is his 11-fight win streak more than enough of a resume to justify being next? And who do you expect him to be fighting once the date comes around later in 2022?

For complete UFC Vegas 49 results and coverage click here.