- Islam Makhachev’s coach Jorge Mendez commented on the status of his pupil’s possible title shot
- Mendez revealed his real thoughts about Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Charles Oliveira
AKA founder and Islam Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez did not shy away from revealing the truth about his pupil’s looming title fight with Charles Oliveira, and the Brazilian’s recent rift with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Nothing at the moment
Fans have been anticipating how things will play out in the lightweight division now that the belt is up for grabs. Oliveira is almost sure he’ll be fighting for the strap that’s rightfully his. The favorite on the other end, meanwhile, is UFC rising star Makhachev.
But while some believe that everything will soon be in place, coach Mendez admitted that he doesn’t have an idea of how the UFC sees it.
“I don’t know. I always find it’s best for me to just stay on the outside and wait what the UFC announces what’s next,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “And as far as I know, I don’t know anything yet because there’s nothing announced… Obviously, something’s gonna happen eventually when we know where Islam is going but where is it gonna be, I don’t know. Whether Abu Dhabi or who knows wherever. I don’t know yet.”
No time for fantasy fights
After Nurmagomedov said Makhachev will beat and could beat Oliveira in front of his hometown fans in Brazil, “Do Bronx” lashed out at the Russian MMA legend and vowed to take him out after Islam.
Fans are now buzzing about the idea of a Nurmagomedov vs. Oliveira fight, but according to Mendez, he doesn’t think about such things as he is certain he has never seen the fighter who could beat “The Eagle” to this day.
“I don’t ever think of that [fight] because being around Khabib as long as I have… honestly speaking guys, I don’t look at anybody that’s still in the game now that would beat him and could beat him,” he admitted. “So I don’t really think about what could’ve been with that… would’ve, should’ve, could’ve. It is what it is and I just go with that. I don’t go on the fantasy thing… But if you ask me my opinion what I think if he was going to beat this guy and beat that guy, I would tell you that hundred percent. No fantasy matchups.”
Indeed, things are about to get exciting if Makhachev gets the nod from the UFC to fight for the title. More so, if Nurmagomedov decides to come out of retirement and join the fun. Let’s just wait and see.
