Islam Makhachev intends to follow in Alexander Volkanovski’s footsteps one day.
This Saturday, the UFC lightweight champion defends his title against the featherweight champ in the main event of UFC 284, and according to Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, Makhachev also intends to move up a weight class eventually.
“I a hundred percent see that,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “And the reason why I see that is because Islam wishes that. And when he wishes that, he’s gonna will it to happen. He’ll train and clear the division as he likes. Then he will go for the title of welterweight. Whoever that is at that time, I believe he’s going to beat .”
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Makhachev, a long-time friend and trainer of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC Hall of Fame, was Nurmagomedov’s choice to succeed him as ruler of the lightweight division. Makhachev fulfilled his prediction by submitting Charles Oliveira for the lightweight belt. Mendez claims that Makhachev approached Mendez about moving up in the future.
“This was shortly after, I don’t remember exactly, but after he won the title he was like, yeah, what do you think?” Mendez said. Khabib never spoke of anything other than light weight, so I said yes. That’s it. Khabib never said welterweight, middleweight. However, Khabib was the champion of the middleweight, welterweight, and lightweight in my eyes .”
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But first Makhachev needs to clean out the division and that is still a long way off, and his first title defense will come with added challenges. Makhachev will not face Volkanovski as the featherweight champion. Nurmagomedov, the Hall of Famer, has opted to be with his family and he won’t be there. Makhachev’s team claims this will not play any major role in the fight. Mendez states that Nurmagomedov still gives tips to Makhachev and discusses strategy with him even during fight week.
“You know, he’s been calling,” Mendez said. FaceTime. FaceTime. I’ll answer his calls, he will text me and Islam will contact him. Actually, those guys don’t really like texting. It’s FaceTime. Facetime is a favorite pastime for them. So, I Facetime him. They send me videos and they give their opinions. He’ll also talk to Islam and we will talk about it. Can you do this? Yes, Course coach. He’s already ahead of me. He’s such a good coach that he’s already doing all the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 steps to get Islam mentally prepared.
“But, the best thing about Islam? He’s extremely low-maintenance. Almost zero maintenance. Everything is his. Like DC says, Khabib is like his controllers. Like, Islam just goes into, you know, it’s amazing, it’s amazing how he can just go into it. He is able to tell you what to do. He doesn’t need to hear it more than once .”
UFC 284 takes place this Saturday at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
TOP STORIES
Here we go. Alexander Volkanovski: Conor McGregor ‘right back in the conversation’ for title shot with Michael Chandler win.
Prediction. Jake Paul predicts ‘scared’ Tommy Fury doesn’t make it past Round 4.
No-show. Chael Sonnen says Jake Paul should cut ties with Tommy Fury after presser no-show.
Callout. Khamzat Chimaev calls out Robert Whittaker for ‘good guy vs. bad guy’ fight; Whittaker responds.
ABC. Din Thomas and Carlos Newton are among the new additions to the Association of Boxing Commissions’ fighter committee.
VIDEO STEW
The MMA Hour.
UFC 284 Media Day.
UFC 284 Embedded, 3.
Israel Adesanya breaks down UFC 284.
Kevin Lee talks about his plans to resign with the UFC.
LISTEN UP
No Bets Barred. Breaking down the best bets at UFC 284.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Fight Week Things.
Just watched Volk interview with ESPN about smacking my face etc.
Keep the same energy tomorrow at press conf when you face me— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) February 9, 2023
Injuries.
Well fuck. pic.twitter.com/bgAYxCBrr4
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) February 9, 2023
Easy solution.
Hookers out. Renato ghosting. @JalinTurner if you wanna stay in the game I’m down to scrap in April. Know you wouldn’t be on UFC 285 but your camp won’t go to waste. #ufc285 #ufc @ufc @seanshelby
— Drew Dober (@DrewDober) February 9, 2023
Max has his priorities right.
So where’s the go to bbq fam? https://t.co/dHztjP1agI
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 8, 2023
Training like Michael Bisping.
Stay grinding my friends pic.twitter.com/v4ZIryCQCp
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) February 9, 2023
Tyron is still chasing it.
If @KSI would ever be a man. And a man of his word. He is in his own way. He was in his own lane. I gave my opinion and accepted the terms. What God has for me is for me! He told me to fight. He asked me to fight. Thats borderline bullying https://t.co/2R6oRKYowV
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) February 7, 2023
Hmmm, should I:
A – Fight a tired Tyron Woodley that hasn’t won a single boxing fight and got knocked out by Jake Paul by standing still?
B – Fight A pro boxer with a better boxing record than Tommy Fury? https://t.co/rq5PlpUqza
— ksi (@KSI) February 7, 2023
U should fight the person a million person poll said 2 fight. It’s easy to make money with a contract if you are so tired. The same situation when u asked 2 fight me & sent me a contract i agreed 2. You chose the easiest route without telling me. If u can beat me i’ll retire. If u lose i own 1% of your promotion https://t.co/WeIaY5Luyi
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) February 8, 2023
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Michael Page (20-2) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (28-5); Bellator 292, March 10.
Julius Anglickas (10-3) vs. D. Yagshimuradov (19-7-1); Bellator 292, March 10.
Bobby Seronio III (3-0) vs. Alberto Garcia (2-0); Bellator 292, March 10.
Khalid Murtazaliev (16-3) vs. Tony Johnson (9-3); Bellator 292, March 10.
Islam Mamedov (22-2-1) vs. Shamil Nikaev (10-0); Bellator 292, March 10.
Brandon Royval (14-6) vs. Matheus Nicolau (19-2-1); UFC Kansas City, April 15.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks so much for reading, and we’ll see you tomorrow!
EXIT POLL
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Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/9/23592354/islam-makhachev-coach-says-he-will-clear-out-lightweight-division-before-chasing-welterweight-title?rand=96749
