The main event of UFC Fight Night 202: Makhachev vs. Green took place on February 26, 2022, at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada. Originally scheduled to face Beneil Dariush, Islam Makhachev instead met veteran Bobby Green, who accepted the bout on just 10 days’ notice after defeating Nasrat Haqparast two weeks earlier. Because of the late change, the contest was held at a 160-pound catchweight rather than the lightweight limit.
The fight began with Green displaying his signature relaxed style, switching stances and fighting with his hands low while circling around the Octagon. Makhachev remained patient, probing with kicks and feints before closing the distance. Green briefly found space to move laterally, but Makhachev quickly neutralized the striking exchanges by catching a kick and forcing the action into the clinch.
After separating momentarily, Makhachev timed another entry perfectly. He secured a powerful body lock, tripped Green to the canvas, and immediately advanced into dominant top position. Green attempted to scramble back to his feet, but Makhachev’s relentless pressure and superior grappling prevented any meaningful escape. Every movement by Green was countered as Makhachev smoothly transitioned through positions, demonstrating the suffocating control that had become his trademark.
Once in full mount, Makhachev began unloading measured but heavy ground-and-pound. Green covered up and tried to roll away, but Makhachev effortlessly followed, maintaining dominant control while landing clean punches with both hands. Unable to intelligently defend himself or improve his position, Green absorbed a series of unanswered strikes until referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the contest at 3:23 of the first round. The official result was Islam Makhachev via TKO (punches).
The emphatic victory extended Makhachev’s winning streak to ten consecutive fights and further cemented his status as the top contender in the lightweight division. His dominant performance over the durable Green showcased the complete evolution of his game—combining patient striking, elite wrestling, positional dominance, and devastating ground offense. The win ultimately secured Makhachev the long-awaited opportunity to challenge for the UFC lightweight championship later that year against Charles Oliveira, a title he would go on to capture.