Middleweight Makhachev? Coach believes Islam can break title protection report, 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 (a lot to Dana White’s annoyance) on the energy of three title defenses, which contains two finishes. Presently, Makhachev rides a 14-fight win streak, and he’s greater than lived as much as expectations as the person to comply with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s foot steps.

A rematch reverse Arman Tsarukyan was deliberate for October and remains to be doubtless the following 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 solely. Both approach, Mendez expects Makhachev to defend his title a fourth time, breaking the UFC Light-weight report.

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

“So many fighters have received titles there, however they by no means stored it greater than three title defenses. So Islam will break the report, and I need to see him go down as one of many biggest of all time, and I imagine he’s on monitor to try this.”

After Tsarukyan? Makhachev’s longterm objective has been to transfer as much as Welterweight and turn out to be double champ. Belal Muhammad upsetting Leon Edwards sophisticated these plans, nevertheless. Makhachev and Muhammad are pals and coaching companions, so the Russian athlete isn’t as desirous about that bout.

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

“Then after that allow’s see what occurs,” Mendez mentioned. “Possibly Islam good points 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 relies on timing. By the point Makhachev takes on Tsarukyan after which is able to struggle once more, Welterweight may have a brand new champion, rendering the 2 weight class leap pointless. Or, Dricus Du Plessis may lose the belt, creating a brand new theoretical match up solely.

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