I. Makhachev is the current UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Amidst the wait for the announcement of the next title defense by Islam makhachev, Javier Mendez, coach of the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), brought terrible news about his pupil's future. Victim of a hand ligament injury, the Russian is only expected to present himself at the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025 due to the severity of the problem in question.
“He had problems with his ligaments and I am looking for consultations with different doctors and we will see what they say to do. He's not ready to train for a fight until probably November, December or maybe January, I don't know. It depends on what the UFC will offer”, declared Javier in an interview with Helen Yee.
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By continuing his speech, the coach minimized any chance of the champion recovering so he could perform in Abu Dhabi, a place where he usually performs and hosts events.
“Definitely not going to be ready to fight in October like people are expecting. I think it will be a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan (next) because we see nothing beyond the horizon. After Belal Muhammad | having become (welterweight) champion, I highly doubt they will want to face each other”, he concluded.
Javier Mendez is coach of Islam makhachev. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @akajav
Expected to star in UFC 308, Islam forced Ultimate to climb Ilia Topuria e Max Holloway to replace him in the main fight of the event. Despite Javier's low optimism, there is still hope on the part of the Russians that the injury can be cured before the end of 2024. The expectation is that Makhachev will have a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan to follow.
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