- Javier Mendez discussed Islam Makhachev’s potential move to welterweight to become a two-division champ
- The coach also explained what Islam’s UFC 294 win meant to his career
Coach Javier Mendez commented on what’s next for Islam Makhachev and what becoming a double champion would mean for his pupil.
A move to 170 depends on Islam and the UFC
Speaking to Submission Radio, Mendez admitted that a move to the welterweight division would be up to Makhachev and the UFC. For Mendez, Islam becoming a two-division champ is absolutely great for his legacy and his only concern at this point is the weight adjustment.
“Well, if that’s what Islam wants, then I would say great but you know let’s see what he truly wants and then also let’s see what the UFC wants because let’s face it, they’re the ones controlling who’s going to fight who, when they’re going to fight, they’re going to say yes, no so Islam’s desire to fight the welterweight winner between Colby and The Champ Leon is a great thing, it’s a great thing because it creates more interest,” Mendez opened up.
“The thing is as long as Islam doesn’t gain any weight… if he does get a welterweight title, as long as he’s within his weight like he always is, like 191 at his top form, when he’s in great shape, as long as he doesn’t stay past that I think he’d be fine. And what I would like for his legacy is to be on the Mount Rushmore of the greats. It would be great if he can come back and defend it like what Alex was trying to do cuz that would have put him on top of everybody,” he added.
The lightweight king turns away another challenge!! 👑@MakhachevMMA defeats Alex Volkanovski by knockout in the rematch to defend his title at #UFC294!
[ B2YB @cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/Qpxmze1Op8
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
Charles may be done
As for UFC president Dana White’s proposal to rematch Charles Oliveira, Mendez confided that he hasn’t talked to Makhachev about it yet. However, Mendez suggested that it may not happen anymore, at least at this point.
“I have never talked to Islam about that but based on the interviews uh I think Charles is going to have to get on that horse I think it’s a sad thing that he missed that great opportunity,” Mendez explained.
The head kick KO proved that Islam is the GOAT
Mendez was also asked to comment on Makhachev’s vicious head kick KO win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 and what it meant to his pupil’s career. As per Mendez, it only backed his claim that Makhachev is the greatest lightweight champion in UFC history.
“I’ve been bragging about that, I I’ve been saying in the champions, just champions, I’m not talking about other guys that fought in the lightweight division in the UFC history, you know, I said in the champion division, he’s the greatest well-rounded lightweight fighter of all time and he proved it. He proved my point and so from that point, the fact that I speak something and I like to think that I’m a truthful person so you know for him to do what he did just proved my point and for that yes I was like all right, now okay I talk the talk now I walk the walk,” Mendez raved.
Khabib was pleased
Mendez also revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov did not say a lot about Makhachev’s recent win but everybody in the team is grateful for his leadership.
“Nothing! [Laughs] [just] ‘Great job, coach!’ … I think he was in Dubai watching it and he was very happy… you guys got to understand, he’s a huge inspiration and leader for these guys. He is the leader, I’m the more of the mentor to Khabib and the guys but you know Khabib is the leader and for the leader to be here you know, able to give his time and for the fighters to receive him like they do, it’s unbelievable,” Mendez said of Khabib.
“I hope that never stops and at some point years down the line when the kids are grown, I would love to see him back in the corner at some point you know but right now family’s priority and I understand the concept,” he continued.
Aside from eyeing a move to welterweight for double-champ status, Makhachev previously said that he is down to fight either Oliveira or Justin Gaethje. However, he is hoping to get a new opponent as much as possible.
Check out Mendez’s full interview below:
