Islam Makhachev Can Be Three-Weight UFC Champion, Says Coach

Islam Makhachev Can Be Three-Weight UFC Champion, Says Coach


Undisputed UFC lightweight champion of the world Islam Makhachev has the skills to become a UFC champion in three different weight classes, according to his coach.

Javier Mendez has masterminded the careers of a host of top-level MMA fighters during his lengthy coaching career, and the American Kickboxing Academy head coach said that the Russian champion, who already sits at the top of the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, is capable of extending his dominance to both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 18: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts after his victor by submission over Renato Moicano of Brazil, not pictured, in a lightweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome on January…


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“I could see Islam going for three titles, (three) weight divisions,” Mendez told Submission Radio.

In order for Makhachev to go for the welterweight title, he’d need current champion and training partner Belal Muhammad to be dethroned first, but if that did happen, Mendez said Makhachev would easily be strong enough at the weight to capture the title at 170 pounds. He also said that moving up two divisions to 185 would be doable, but much more difficult.

“He’s capable of (it), although 185 would be a lot tougher,” he admitted.

“He still has the ability. He has the strength, too, I can tell you that. He is one of the strongest guys I’ve ever had to handle at his weight. Tussling with him, I’m like, damn, this guy’s strong! Really, really strong.”

If Makhachev did find himself at middleweight, he could potentially end up in a title fight with South African world champion Dricus Du Plessis, who has risen through the ranks to become the undisputed king at 185 pounds.

Despite “Stillknocks'” successes in the division so far, Mendez said Makhachev has the strength to fight on equal terms, as he revealed that he’s had to persuade his student to dial back his spars with heavyweights in training.

“Fantastic. He’d go fantastic (at middleweight),” he said.

“I’ve seen him go with heavyweights in the gym that are really good, and he’s whooping on them.

“I don’t like it, because when he’s going with heavies, I go, ‘What are you doing with heavyweights? You shouldn’t be going with heavyweights.’ It was in Dagestan.

“He goes, ‘No, coach, it’s OK!” I go, ‘No! It’s not OK! Because if those guys land one good shot on you, it can change everything!”

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Another possible option would be for Makhachev to remain at 155 pounds and face a new challenge in his current weight class. That could potentially see him face undisputed featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who has made no secret of his desire to move up and challenge for the 155-pound title as part of his own multi-belt quest.

Mendez said he’s a big fan of Topuria’s work, both inside and outside the cage, having been impressed with what he’s seen from the Spanish superstar in the UFC so far.

“I enjoy that guy. He’s fun to watch. He’s must-watch TV,” he admitted.

“I like what he’s doing. I like the stuff he says. I’m a fan.

“I know he’s got the best boxing in the business for me. And he’s very entertaining in how he talks. He doesn’t talk about nobody else but the fighter themselves. And I respect that about that guy. Nothing but pure respect, you know.”

Mendez also name-checked another potential opponent for Makhachev, former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, who has been chasing a shot at the Russian ever since he joined the UFC.

“I like what he does, too,” said Mendez.

“He gets on that mic, he throws a great performance on the mic and therefore he gets opportunities. And this is a great fighter.

“I like people that do that. They cause interest, you know? They create a narrative where you want to see them fight. So that’s why they get those opportunities. So, I like guys like that.

“So Topuria, I’m a fan. I mean, obviously if we end up having to fight him, that goes away during that fight. But after the fight, I’m still a fan.”

More MMA:

UFC 313: Light Heavyweight Champ Alex Pereira to Face Magomed Ankalaev in Las Vegas Headliner

UFC 311 Recap: Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili Retain Titles in Los Angeles

For more on the UFC, head to Newsweek Sports.



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