'Another three fights' - Coach Javier Mendez makes shocking revelation on Islam Makhachev's retirement plans ahead of welterweight title bout
Islam Makhachev and Javier Mendez. Image via Javier Mendez/Instagram
Former lightweight champion
Islam Makhachev's
coach,
Javier Mendez
, revealed some shocking facts about the fighter's
retirement plans
. The Russian fighter recently vacated his title and moved up to the
welterweight division
, aiming for a two-weight championship status.
Even though it is almost confirmed that Makhachev will be facing the newly crowned Jack Della Maddalena for the belt, the date and venue for the bout have not been announced yet.
Javier Mendez analyses the current state of welterweight division, explains the timeline of Islam Makhachev's bouts after facing Jack Della Maddalena
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Islam Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, reflected upon the latest win secured by Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta against Joaquin Buckley. The Nigerian fighter is on a mission to reclaim his lost belt and wants to face the winner of the bout between Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena.
Pondering on the probability of Usman getting a title shot next, Mendez stated, 'Possible. Depends on what the UFC thinks.I mean, I think Shavkat needs to be considered.
Also Ian Garry. You know Belal Muhammad also too.' The coach continued, 'The welterweight division has become the hotbed for the UFC at the present time.'
Javier Mendez REACTS to Usman Wanting Islam Title Shot, Says Makhachev not afraid to stand with JDM!
While analysing the future prospects within the division, Mendez also reflected upon the future of Makhachev in the world of combat sports.
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The 33-year-old fighter throughout his career has suffered only one loss and that was in the early stages of his UFC career against Adriano Martins. His pro-MMA record stands at 27-1-0, with his latest win against Renato Moicano in a lightweight title bout. The fighter won the championship belt in his bout against Charles Oliveira and has defended the belt for four straight times since then.
Even though the fighter announced his move up to the welterweight division, fans might not get to see him in action for a very long time now.
Talking about Makhachev's retirement plans, coach Mendez stated, 'I'm anticipating we'll see Islam hopefully for maybe another three fights total. Let's see who's in the works on that, if we get by JDM.'
Also read:
'No one even knew who they were' - Jake Paul sparks outrage with bold self-comparison involving Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson
With an exciting bout coming up, it might not be a very good news for UFC fans, owing to the possible short tenure of the Russian fighter within the division. It was UFC 315 that was the deciding factor for Makhachev regarding his recent move up to the welterweight division.
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