Islam Makhachev has expressed his desire to move up a division and become a two-division champion. Many fans and analysts believe the welterweight division is ideal for him. However, Javier Mendez, head coach of Team Khabib Nurmagomedov, thinks Makhachev will avoid this move due to his alliance with Belal Muhammad.
In an interview with The Schmo, Javier Mendez was asked if Islam Makhachev could jump directly to the middleweight division instead of fighting at welterweight. Mendez confirmed that Makhachev could do it if he wanted and has the ability to, but the key question is whether he wants to. Mendez also mentioned that Makhachev normally walks around at 179 lbs, so weight wouldn’t be an issue for him in making the move.
Head Coach further added that he has never discussed with Islam Makhachev the possibility of moving directly to the 185lbs middleweight division, but they have talked about the welterweight division. However, Mendez emphasized that Makhachev won’t be making that move until Belal Muhammad is no longer the champion.
He said, “We have discussed welterweight but again as long as Belal Muhammad is there I don’t see that ever happening.”
It will definitely be interesting to see what Makhachev decides to do in the future and whether he’ll achieve the double champ status that Khabib Nurmagomedov never did. However, that’s still a long way off. For now, Makhachev is fully focused on his upcoming fight against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 which Mendez thinks he can easily win.
Arman Tsarukyan Claims Only He Can Beat Islam Makhachev
Arman Tsarukyan is optimistic about his chance to become the UFC lightweight champion, especially with Islam Makhachev’s rise opening the door for a rematch. Reflecting on their 2019 fight, Tsarukyan is confident, pointing out that he was able to take Makhachev down when he was only 22. With that experience, Tsarukyan believes he’s the one fighter capable of handing Makhachev his first loss in years, making the upcoming fight even more intriguing.
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Tsarukyan has been leveling up, and this fight is his shot at claiming the lightweight title. UFC 311 could be his time to shine and prove he’s the one to dethrone the champ. It’s all about that redemption arc, and Tsarukyan’s ready to make it happen.
Also Read: VIDEO: Arman Tsarukyan Battles Khamzat Chimaev In Epic Wrestling Showdown On Russian Reality Show
