I. Makhachev is a former UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Preparing Islam Makhachev for a welterweight title fight (up to 77,1kg), Javier Mendez is keeping a close eye on the scene in his pupil's new division. Aware that Kamaru Usman wants to face the Russian after his last victory, the coach didn't hesitate to open the door for the Nigerian, should they both win the title in a duel against Jack Della Maddalena . The fight still has no date or location set.
“It’s possible (that Kamaru will be the next challenger). It depends on what the UFC thinks. I think Shavkat needs to be considered. And also Ian Garry , Belal Muhammad , if he wants to come back to the scene. Who knows? In my opinion, this division, the welterweight division, has become the focus of the UFC at the moment. There are so many high-profile fights they can make from there. Let’s see what they want to do,” Mendez told Submission Radio.
See too
According to Javier, despite Usman's presence, there are other fights that are interesting to Makhachev.
“Usman is aligned with Jack Della Maddalena , 100%. I think all those guys are really a problem for everyone. Shavkat, Ian Garry , there are so many guys in that division that Islam hasn’t fought either. So it’s one of those exciting things to be in, but we need to get past JDM first. He’s not going to be an easy fight,” he concluded.
Kamaru Usman is interested in facing Islam Makhachev (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
No longer the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), Makhachev announced a change in weight class after Belal Muhammad lost his belt. The expectation is that the Russian will face Della Maddalena sometime in 2025, attempting to fulfill his dream of holding two UFC titles.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.