Middleweight Makhachev? Coach believes Islam can break title defense record, 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 power of three title defenses, which incorporates two finishes. At the moment, Makhachev rides a 14-fight win streak, and he’s greater than lived as much as expectations as the person to observe Khabib Nurmagomedov’s foot steps.

A rematch reverse Arman Tsarukyan was deliberate for October and continues 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 alter the plan totally. Both method, Mendez expects Makhachev to defend his title a fourth time, breaking the UFC Light-weight report.

“That’s motive to struggle Arman or anyone else, and also you get probably the most defenses within the light-weight historical past,” Mendez informed Purple 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 wish to see him go down as one of many best of all time, and I imagine he’s on observe to do this.”

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

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

“Then after that allow’s see what occurs,” Mendez stated. “Perhaps Islam positive factors weight and goes to 185. I imply, he’d have to achieve weight, clearly, as a result of that’s a bit huge for him. You by no means know. He’s that good. (He’s) pound-for-pound No. 1 for a motive.”

It actually all depends upon 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 bounce pointless. Or, Dricus Du Plessis may lose the belt, creating a brand new theoretical match up totally.

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