Makhachev's coach surprises and asks that his pupil's next fight be against Topuria

Islam makhachev is the next challenger for the welterweight title. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Main coach of Islam makhachevJavier Mendez doesn't hesitate to express great confidence in his protégé's future. Contrary to popular belief, the veteran plans to seek out the biggest fights possible, in terms of difficulty, for the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) during his UFC career.

In a surprising statement, Mendez suggested that if Makhachev becomes welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg, Ilia Topuria be chosen as his next opponent in the octagon.

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“I think every fan wants to see this fight. It’s the number one fight, number one. The other one was Jon Jones x Tom aspinall, that was number one. But right now, if Islam wins, the number one fight to make is Topuria vs. Islam. 'La Leyenda' has been very vocal about his desire to fight Makhachev and has been pursuing him for some time. He's also made some bold claims, saying he could finish Makhachev, who is one of the most dominant grapplers MMA has ever seen," Mendez told Hablemos MMA.

Ilia Topuria want to face Islam makhachev in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Montage SUPER FIGHTS

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As he continued speaking, Javier avoided creating a climate of rivalry between the athletes and acknowledged the great moment shown by the Spanish-Georgian.

"I like what he's doing. He's doing a good job of making people want to watch the fight. The more Ilia does, the more people want to see this fight. I like everything he's doing as a fighter. He's very strong and doesn't care about weight. I think this is a great fight for us. The first thing Islam wanted was a legacy fight—he wanted the welterweight title. Now, if we win the welterweight title, we can move down, or he can move up. That's what I'm saying, but if the UFC doesn't like it, it won't happen. But first, we need to win," he concluded.

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Expecting to appear in 2025, Makhachev was rumored to be linked after Khabib Nurmagomedov announce that the athlete will face Jack Della Maddalena in New York, in November, for the welterweight belt.