A potential showdown between two of the sport’s most captivating figures has piqued the interest of fight fans. The bout between the uncompromising Dagestani champion Islam Makhachev and the bold Irish superstar Conor McGregor has been the subject of much speculation. And now, the man in Makhachev’s corner, the legendary coach Javier Mendez, has weighed in on the intriguing possibility.
Mendez, known for his masterful guidance of champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Cain Valesquez, and Daniel Cormier, didn’t mince words when discussing the potential matchup. He acknowledged the unique position of power that McGregor holds in the sport.
”That’s a possibility with Islam and Conor, but let’s face it, Conor dictates who he fights… UFC may offer but if Connor says no it’s no… I don’t like him, but he’s the biggest draw in the business. The records show it, and I would love to watch him get beat, so yeah, I’m going to pay if he fights Islam; for sure, I’ll be in the corner,” said Mendez via Red Corner MMA.
Javier Mendez recognizes the draw and influence that the charismatic Irishman commands. After all, McGregor’s name alone can ignite a frenzy of anticipation among fight fans, regardless of his recent octagon struggles. And Mendez seems willing to put aside his personal feelings about McGregor for the sake of a potentially thrilling showdown.
But Mendez was quick to caution that a McGregor-Makhachev matchup would not be a walk in the park for Makhachev. He can set aside his personal feelings and recognize the potential challenges that a showdown with the ‘Mystic Mac’ would present.
Javier Mendez Talks About Islam Makhachev’s Potential Move To Middleweight
It seems the reigning UFC lightweight king, Makhachev, may be set on a lofty goal: conquering a new weight class. Mendez, the esteemed coach who has guided Makhachev to the top of the lightweight division, dropped a bombshell recently about this dream of the lightweight champion.
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In a recent interview, Mendez hinted at the tantalizing possibility of his protege making the leap to middleweight, a move that would see the Dagestani juggernaut jump two weight classes in pursuit of even greater glory. It’s a bold move, to be sure, one that would test the limits of Makhachev’s physical abilities and technical prowess. After all, the middleweight division is home to some of the sport’s most formidable combatants.
But if there’s one thing fans have learned about Makhachev, it’s that he thrives on challenges. The phenomenal Dagestani has already established himself as a dominant force at 155 pounds, ripping through the opposition with his relentless grappling and ever-improving striking. Javier Mendez emphasized that Makhachev must focus immediately on his upcoming rematch with Arman Tsarukyan. After that, fans may finally see the 185-pound Makhachev taking on the middleweight division.
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