Javier Mendez the coach of Islam Makhachev rates his chances at middleweight. The lightweight king was set to defend his title at UFC 308 against Arman Tsarukyan but was injured. The champion has a torn ligament in his hand which will require surgery. So, for the time being he will have to sit out and wait to recover. In the meantime his coach has speculated about his chances in higher weight classes.
Mendez Rates Makhachev’s Chances at 185
In an interview with Red Corner MMA Mendez discussed Islam Makhachev’s future. Mendez in regards to breaking the record of defences said, “That’s a good reason to fight Arman or anybody else, and you get the most defences in the lightweight history, I can’t believe three is the record. That’s just amazing how it turns over.”. That is a pretty monumental record for Islam to break if he gets past Arman. It may also raise talks about Islam potentially becoming the GOAT at lightweight if he surpasses Khabib’s record.
Mendez continued saying, “So many fighters have won titles there, but they never kept it more than three title defenses. So Islam will break the record, and I want to see him go down as one of the greatest of all time, and I believe he’s on track to do that.”. Javier is confident Islam can break Khabib’s record and thinks he can become of the greats. With the weigh Islam has been winning that’s very possible. However, Makhachev did struggle against Poirier and Arman will be able to utilse that performance and his own grappling to give Islam a hard fight.
Due to Belal becoming the welterweight champ and being affiliated with Khabib and his team it is unlikely Islam would fight Belal. If the belt changed hands again potentially but for now 170 is off the menu for Makhachev. Instead Javier brought up Islam’s chances at 185lbs. Mendez said, “Then after that let’s see what happens,” Mendez said. “Maybe Islam gains weight and goes to 185. I mean, he’d have to gain weight, obviously, because that’s a little big for him. You never know. He’s that good. (He’s) pound-for-pound No. 1 for a reason.”
So, Javier thinks Makhachev could have success at 185lbs after gaining some weight. It is possible however it does seem like a stretch. Compared to middleweights Islam is small not only in weight but height and just thickness. Makhachev has the skill but he just isn’t quite built for 185lbs. 170lbs sure but 185lbs is a bit too far. Let us know how well you think Islam Makhachev would do at 185lbs.
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