Islam Makhachev's coach thinks he has a very good chance of becoming a three-weight UFC champion.
The lightweight king submitted Renato Moicano in one round to defend his title at UFC 311, which took place Saturday night at the Intuit Dome in California.
Islam Makhachev is the consensus pound-for-pound number one in MMA, and fans are eager to see him move through the divisions to test himself against bigger men.
A fight with welterweight champion Belal Muhammad would be the logical next step, but training partners would rather avoid that matchup.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev predicts a 'fantastic' match against Dricus du Plessis
After UFC 311, Makhachev shocked everyone by making a bold call. Khabib Nurmagomedov's protégé requested a fight with middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, who is cutting down to make 185 pounds for his UFC fights.
Many people think the 30-pound weight difference would be too much for Makhachev if he were to fight 'DDP', but his head coach has backed him to become the first three-weight UFC champion.
“I saw Islam win three titles in three weight classes,” Javier Mendez told Submission Radio.
“He is capable, even though 185 would be a lot harder, he still has the ability.
“He's got the strength too, I can tell you that. He's one of the strongest guys I've ever had to handle, considering his weight. As I wrestle with him, I think, 'Damn, this guy is strong. Really very strong.
“Fantastic. He would go great [against Du Plessis].”
Islam Makhachev wrestles heavyweights against each other
Makhachev has no problems with bigger opponents during training. In fact, he spares heavyweights, even though the founder of the American Kickboxing Academy hates it when he does so.
Mendez added: “I've seen him play with heavyweights in the gym who are really good, and he cheers for it.
“I don't like it because when he goes with heavyweights I think, 'What are you doing with heavyweights? You shouldn't be working with heavyweights.'
“It was in Dagestan, and he says, 'No, coach, it's OK.' I say, 'No, it's not okay. Because if those guys get one good shot at you, it can change everything.”
Du Plessis will defend his middleweight title at UFC 312 on February 8. Once he wraps up his rematch with Sean Strickland, top contender Khamzat Chimaev, who questions Makhachev's ability to compete at 185 pounds, is next in line for a title shot.
It seems highly unlikely that Makhachev will be allowed to skip the queue if he moves up two weight classes. Still, fans are excited about the prospect of him pushing himself to the limit in 2025 and beyond.
Only time will tell if he can become the first three-weight UFC champion as Mendez predicts.
Related topics
Comments