Javier Mendez wants to see Islam Makhachev fight Conor McGregor

03 June 2024

Islam Makhachev cemented his status as a dominant force in the UFC lightweight division with a commanding victory at UFC 302. The champion defended his title for the third time, tying the divisional record, by securing a fifth-round d’arce choke against Dustin Poirier. This performance not only demonstrated Makhachev's technical prowess but also earned him both Performance and Fight of the Night honors.

Poirier, known for his resilience, managed to cut Makhachev and defend against several takedowns, showcasing his own skills. However, Makhachev's superior strategy and execution, as praised by his coach Javier Mendez, ultimately led to his victory. Mendez noted, “The first round went perfect. Khabib and I gave him the game plan, and he followed it to a T.”

Despite Poirier's valiant effort, his future in the sport remains uncertain following this defeat. On the other hand, Makhachev's next opponent is likely to be Arman Tsarukyan, a member of Poirier’s American Top Team. UFC CEO Dana White hinted at this rematch being the next big fight in the lightweight division.

Interestingly, Makhachev’s coach Mendez has expressed interest in a bout with Conor McGregor. McGregor recently took to social media to mock Makhachev for a staph infection, creating buzz and potential hype for a future showdown. Mendez remarked, “Conor’s the kind of guy you want to root against or root for. Me, I want to see him get beat by Islam.”

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Makhachev acknowledged the infection post-victory, confirming that it didn’t impact his performance. Meanwhile, McGregor is preparing for his return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, a fight that promises to reignite the former champion’s career. Notably, Poirier was McGregor’s last opponent, a bout that ended in a TKO loss and a broken leg for McGregor in July 2021.

Makhachev’s latest win solidifies his position at the top of the lightweight division, with fans and analysts eagerly anticipating his next move, whether it’s against Tsarukyan or a high-profile bout with McGregor.