The will of Islam Makhachev makes headlines again. After UFC 304, where Makhachev’s friend and training partner Belal Muhammad won the welterweight title, the lightweight champion’s long-term plans are being looked at Although Makhachev has expressed a desire to be the champion he has division two, but the path to that goal remains uncertain. Recently, trainer Javier Mendez said Makhachev could head to middleweight, a move that would dramatically change the course of his career.
Another Potential Challenge
Makhachev’s recent success in the lightweight division has set a high bar. He’s on track to break records with his title defenses. Mendez, in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, shared his vision for Makhachev’s future, suggesting the fighter could consider moving up to middleweight.
“Muslim probably weighs a lot and goes up to 185,” Mendez speculated. “I mean, he’d have to weigh more, obviously, because that’s kind of big for him. You never know. He is so good. Pound-for-pound no. 1 because.”
Mendez’s comments came ahead of UFC 305, where middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his title against former champion Israel Adesanya. The idea of Makhachev challenging one more fighter in the future sounds like a dream match for many MMA fans.
Despite the tantalizing prospect of moving up to middleweight, Mendez insisted that Makhachev must immediately focus on defending his lightweight title. His next potential opponent is Arman Tsarukyan, who could challenge Makhachev in a rematch before the end of 2024. Mendez pointed out that Tsarukyan’s fight preparation, including an anti-bullying PSA, and Makhachev’s recovery recent injuries were major factors in the planning of the fight.
“There’s not going to be a welterweight fight, that would be my first choice,” Mendez said. “The next choice was the obvious Arman. That Armaan should be released. That’s what I feel the fans will want to see.”
Future Matchups with the UFC’s Offerings
After looking at Tsarukyan, Mendez mentioned Max Holloway and Mateus Gamrot as potential future opponents. “Islam never rejects an opponent the UFC has given him,” Mendez said. “He can turn down a date for any reason. Like now he’s injured in his arm so he doesn’t fight when they want to fight, because he has to take care of his body first.”
Mendez’s words underscore Makhachev’s determination to remain active and competitive despite physical obstacles. The preparation of the light heavyweight champion against the various opponents shows his determination to prove that he is the best fighter of all time
Declarations of war looming
In other news, Jared Cannonier is scheduled to face Caio Borralho on August 24 at UFC Vegas 96. The fight is expected to add excitement to the UFC schedule, where fans can uncover a more dynamic matchup.
Makhachev’s potential to move up to middleweight brings new excitement to the UFC landscape. The idea of following in the footsteps of fighters like Kamaru Osman and stepping up to a heavier weight class offers potential excitement for the sport. Although the concept may seem abstract to some, the possibility that Makhachev’s versatility and skills will cross over to middleweight adds some excitement to his already impressive career.
