Middleweight Makhachev? Coach believes Islam can break title defense record, chase 185-pound gold

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American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) head coach Javier Mendez believes in his pupil Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev has risen up the pound-for-pound ranks (much to Dana White’s annoyance) on the power of three title defenses, which includes two finishes. At the moment, Makhachev rides a 14-fight win streak, and he’s greater than lived as much as expectations as the man to follow Khabib Nurmagomedov’s foot steps.

A rematch opposite Arman Tsarukyan was deliberate for October and remains to be seemingly the subsequent step, however an damage to the champion’s hand delayed that Light-weight title protection. It’s unclear if Makhachev will nonetheless face Tsarukyan in 2024 or if UFC will choose to change the plan entirely. Both means, Mendez expects Makhachev to defend his title a fourth time, breaking the UFC Light-weight file.

“That’s a very good cause to combat Arman or anyone else, and also you get essentially the most defenses within the light-weight historical past,” Mendez instructed Red Corner MMA (by way of MMA Junkie). “I can’t consider three is the file. That’s simply superb the way it turns over.

“So many fighters have gained titles there, however they by no means stored it greater than three title defenses. So Islam will break the file, and I wish to see him go down as one of many best of all time, and I consider he’s on monitor to do this.”

After Tsarukyan? Makhachev’s longterm purpose has been to move up to Welterweight and change into double champ. Belal Muhammad upsetting Leon Edwards difficult these plans, nonetheless. Makhachev and Muhammad are mates and coaching companions, so the Russian athlete isn’t as fascinated by that bout.

He’s flirted with the concept of going all the way in which as much as Middleweight to face Dricus Du Plessis. That’s a 30 pound soar, however Mendez believes a correctly ready Makhachev might nonetheless discover actual success at 185-pounds.

“Then after that permit’s see what occurs,” Mendez mentioned. “Perhaps Islam beneficial properties weight and goes to 185. I imply, he’d have to realize weight, clearly, as a result of that’s slightly massive for him. You by no means know. He’s that good. (He’s) pound-for-pound No. 1 for a cause.”

It actually all will depend on timing. By the point Makhachev takes on Tsarukyan after which is able to combat once more, Welterweight could have a new champion, rendering the 2 weight class soar pointless. Or, Dricus Du Plessis might lose the belt, creating a brand new theoretical match up fully.

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