Islam Makhachev’s coach is focusing on a different challenger than Ilia Topuria after a lightweight shake-up this weekend.
Makhachev has been struggling for challengers since breaking the record for most lightweight title defences at UFC 311. However, his coach Javier Mendez now believes that the ‘perfect’ sytlistic matchup has emerged for them next up.
Fans have been keen to see featherweight champion Topuria get the shot since he vacated his belt in order to move up. But Makhachev wants him to earn a shot with a lightweight win before getting a title fight.
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Islam Makhachev’s coach names Justin Gaethje as next opponent
After defeating Rafael Fiziev yet again on Saturday night at UFC 313, Justin Gaethje appears to be on track to get one last shot at UFC gold. He has been both interim and BMF champion, but lost his two efforts at the undisputed belt against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 and Charles Oliveira in 2022.
However, Dana White has indicated that with a number three ranking, Gaethje might be the next in line for a fight with Makhachev. And Javier Mendez, who coaches the champion, feels it is the perfect stylistic matchup for his latest defence.
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.”
Islam Makhachev wants Ilia Topuria to earn lightweight title shot
Ilia Topuria has been pushing for the fight with Islam Makhachev since winning the featherweight title and defending last year. But it seems that Makhachev is not interested in another matchup with a 145lb champion after twice defeating Alexander Volkanovski twice.
“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.”
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