Islam Makhachev’s trainer, Javier Mendez, presents the lightweight champion’s plan for 2024. The latter is very ambitious!
Islam Makhachev is ready to write his name in history! Since winning his belt by beating Charles Oliveira, he has emanated an aura of invincibility. He profiles as an elite fighter comparable to figures such as Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya in their prime. Indeed, Islam Makhachev currently occupies first place in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. The hierarchy was controversial at the time.
“Probably June no up, I would think so. Hopefully, he can get two fights but let’s see. Let’s see what the UFC can plan for him.”
His two title defenses against the reckless Alexander Volkanovski, who fell this weekend against Ilia Topuria by KO, consolidated his status. Currently, the champion does not have any fights scheduled. The top four in his division already have fights scheduled so it’s unclear who he’ll face when he returns.
It won’t be for a few more months until the 32-year-old can get something lined up for his third defense. UFC 300 in April will feature all of the top options for Makhachev’s opponent as BMF champion Justin Gaethje will face Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira has to overcome Arman Tsarukyan.
Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez has a specific idea of how he hopes to see things play out, including fights with men from each of those bouts before moving on to welterweight.
What next for Islam Makhachev?
During an interview with Casino Alpha, American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez explained his goals. He is notably aiming for a fight at Madison Square Garden and a new belt for Islam:
“Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and then the welterweight title. These will be the next three fights for Islam. I would like to see Islam become welterweight world champion in 2025. I would love to see that and I know he is capable of it. If we get two fights this year, who knows, maybe you’ll see the UFC offer him a title fight sooner. »
For now, Charles Oliveira will have to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. The Armenian could well foil all plans. Justin Gaethje, the BMF champion, will also be present on April 13 in a fight that already promises to be legendary against Max Holloway, the former featherweight world champion. Let’s also not forget Dustin Poirier, who will play big at UFC 299 against Benoît Saint Denis. If the Frenchman manages to finish decisively against the American, he could also claim a title shot, in any case the Frenchman plans to snatch the belt.
