Islam Makhachev is cementing an incredible legacy, but there’s still a plethora of fighters who’d make for fantastic match-ups, with his coach, Javier Mendez, revealing who he’d like the Russian to take on next.
The esteemed trainer has played a massive part in building the warrior into the animal he is today.
Javier Mendez wants Arman Tsarukyan or Justin Gaethje to get the next shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov
On Saturday night at UFC 311, inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, USA, Islam Makhachev put on a phenomenal display, submitting Renato Moicano with a brabo choke inside the first round.
However, the Brazilian wasn’t initially the man who was meant to be in there, with Arman Tsarukyan originally billed as the other half of the main event.
Alas, the Armenian suffered an injury that prevented him from competing in the eagerly-anticipated clash.
However, Javier Mendez believes the warrior still deserves a shot at UFC gold.
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In an interview with Submission Radio, he explained: “I feel bad for him because no fighter should have to go through what that poor guy did. He trained so hard for this, earned the right to fight for the title, and he’s out only because of an injury.
“It reminded me of what happened to Khabib Nurmagomedov. I wish him a speedy recovery, and I hope he doesn’t have to take another fight before he gets another title shot. I hope the UFC gives him that opportunity.”
However, with Dana White claiming Tsarukyan needs to earn his way back to the top, Mendez has named another option for his student.
He said, simply: “Justin Gaethje because he hasn’t fought him.”
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While Mendez has named two opponents that would make for fantastic defenses of Makhachev’s 155-pound throne, not everyone wants him to remain at lightweight.
One former UFC contender has explained that he believes the legend should step up to welterweight for a showdown with Belal Muhammad.
The ex-fighter has even gone as far as claiming that if the Dagestani doesn’t switch weight classes, he’s nothing more than a bully.
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