Following this weekend's lightweight shake-up, Islam Makhachev's coach is focusing on a different rival than Ilia Topuria. Makhachev has struggled to find challengers since establishing the record for most lightweight title defenses at UFC 311. However, his coach, Javier Mendez, believes that the 'ideal' stylistic matchup has arisen for them next up.
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Fans have been eager to see featherweight champion Topuria get the shot since he vacated his title to move up. However, Makhachev wants him to earn a crack at a title battle by winning a lightweight bout first.
After defeating Rafael Fiziev once more on Saturday night at UFC 313, Justin Gaethje appears to be on pace for one final shot at UFC gold. He has been interim and BMF champion but has lost two undisputed title fights to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 and Charles Oliveira in 2022.
However, Dana White has stated that Gaethje, with a number three rating, he may be the next in line for a fight with Makhachev. And Javier Mendez, the champion's coach, believes it is the ideal stylistic matchup for his newest defense.
Asked by Submission Radio how they would react to that matchup, Mendez replied: “Fantastic, then it’s Justin Gaethje. We’ll focus on Justin Gaethje.
“That would be ideally for us the perfect matchup based on his standing and what he’s done. He’s a big, known guy and Islam hasn’t fought him so it’s perfect.”
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Islam Makhachev Not Thrilled About Facing Another Featherweight
Ilia Topuria has been pushing for a bout with Islam Makhachev since he won and defended the featherweight belt last year. However, after defeating Alexander Volkanovski twice, Makhachev appears to be unwilling to face another 145-pound champion.
“Oh man, I’m tired of giving chances to small guys,” Makhachev said before UFC 311, and has maintained the same idea. Instead, he wants to move up in weight and is waiting to see what happens with welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.
“I need my second belt,” he continued. “It’s nothing [against] him. He’s a good fighter, he’s a good, skilled fighter, but I don’t want to give him chance. I need a second belt. That fights for what? For me, it’s nothing. Just his name. I don’t need his name; I need the belt.”