Ilia Topuria had initially expressed interest in moving up to the lightweight division to face Islam Makhachev. However, he later clarified that he would not be switching divisions for now. Recently, Makhachev, who also aimed for a second title, received praise from his coach, Javier Mendez. The Team Khabib coach stated that the lightweight champion could effortlessly move up to a higher division.
Makhachev is set to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. Ahead of his title defense, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, sees great things ahead for his talented fighter. Mendez believes Makhachev has the potential to become the first-ever UFC 3-division champion.
In a recent interview with The Schmo on YouTube, Mendez expressed his confidence, stating that he believes Makhachev can achieve this remarkable milestone. The coach said, “I’m 100% sure Islam can be the 185-pound champion if that’s what he decides to do. I see it in the gym, I know how good he is. Moving to 185 won’t be a problem for him. It’s all about whether he wants it.”
Previously, the lightweight champion had expressed interest in moving up to the welterweight division. However, there have been no recent updates on Makhachev’s plans to make the move. For now, fans can look forward to Makhachev’s upcoming fight against Arman Tsarukyan in January, where he will defend his lightweight title.
Arman Tsarukyan Aims to Dethrone Islam Makhachev, Plans To Call Out Charles Oliveira
Tsarukyan is already looking ahead to future matchups. While aiming to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, Tsarukyan also expressed interest in a rematch with Charles Oliveira. In a recent interview with TNT Sports, he named himself, Oliveira, and Makhachev as the top three in the division. Tsarukyan praised Oliveira for beating everyone in the top 15 and predicted a future title defense against him, saying,
“Charles Oliveira is one of the best in our division. And I feel like Islam [Makhachev] Charles Oliveira and me are the top three in the lightweight division right now. Because Charles beat everybody in the top 15. I beat everybody too. Islam like he’s champ Pound for Pound. When I am a champion, I would like to fight with Charles… I would like to finish him.”
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Tsarukyan also praised both of his potential opponents, Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. The highly anticipated Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan fight is quickly becoming one of the UFC’s biggest upcoming matchups. With Makhachev defending his lightweight title, the fight promises to be an exciting and thrilling showdown for fans.
