Islam Makhachev of Russia compete against Davi Ramos of Brazil in their Lightweight Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Javier Mendez trusts Islam Makhachev to take on anyone, including Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier
Islam Makhachev made quite an impression at UFC 259. The Russian lightweight won against Drew Dober via submission in round 3.
He is now ranked #11 in the 155 weight class, which is by far the most competitive and star-studded division in the promotion at the moment.
Makhachev even called out Tony Ferguson after the fight. He said that ‘El Cucuy’ has gotten ‘old’ and needs to be retired.
And now, his coach Javier Mendez says that Makhachev is ready for any challenge. Speaking on his own podcast on YouTube, he stated that the Russian will be a champion soon.
“I think he proved he is a very big threat for anybody, I don’t care who it is right now. He could fight for the title and win right now. That’s my opinion and I don’t think I’m wrong.”
His coach then laid out a list of possible opponents for him. This included some big names such as Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.
“Hopefully, we’ll get a top guy. Hopefully, we’ll get a top-5 type guy like Charles Oliveira… RDA, maybe, Tony Ferguson, who knows. I just know Islam’s ready is any one of those, Dustin, Conor… he’s ready for them.”
Those are some big words from the Mexican coach. But it is something he knows needs to be done to help Makhachev climb up the ranks.
As it looks right now, ‘The Notorious One’ or ‘The Diamond’ might just be too far from his reach. Both of them would be focused on their trilogy fight at the moment.
And Charles Oliveira would certainly be focused on having a go at the title. So realistically, maybe someone between rank 5-9 in the lightweight division would do for now.
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