Javier Mendez not desirous about Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria

Javier Mendez thinks Ilia Topuria must pump the brakes on his push to get a light-weight title shot towards Islam Makhachev.

Mendez, head coach of Makhachev and different notable fighters at American Kickboxing Academy, heard of Topuria’s request to combat Makhachev however was not within the thought. Mendez believes there are larger challenges for the time being apart from the UFC featherweight champion.

“You recognize what, for me, if Islam had been to do one other champ vs. champ combat, it’s higher for him to go up in weight,” Mendez instructed MMA Junkie in Spanish. “If we had the selection, if UFC instructed us we might combat with the UFC welterweight champion or Topuria, we’d select welterweight. That’s what I need. I’m assured that that’s what Islam needs, too.”

Mendez has respect for Topuria and his physique of labor however pays little thoughts to his feedback. On the finish of the day, it’s the promotion that decides what’s subsequent for each fighters and never Topuria.

“(Ilia) is a superb fighter, and he’s been doing properly, however he (Makhachev) doesn’t must combat him,” Mendez mentioned. “That’s my opinion. I feel Tsarukyan is a better option. That’s what I feel. Ilia must do extra in his weight class. He needs to go up in weight and problem for a second belt, however we wish to do the identical. And what occurred? The UFC didn’t allow us to. We wished to, however they instructed us to defend. What UFC tells us to do, that’s what we have now to do. It doesn’t matter what you say, what we are saying, what Ilia says. What issues is what the UFC needs.

“The UFC simply comes as much as you and affords you a combat, and also you get to say sure or no. They’re not going to have you ever choosing your fights. Perhaps there’s an opportunity they try this slightly, however solely individuals like Conor McGregor and Khabib if he had been nonetheless combating due to what they draw.”

Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) defends his light-weight belt towards Dustin Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) this Saturday in the principle occasion of UFC 302, which takes place at Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J.

Like Makhachev, Mendez suggests Topuria ought to defend his belt first towards somebody in his weight class – beginning with whom many consider to be the best UFC featherweight champion.

“Take a look at all of the title defenses Alexander Volkanovski needed to do at featherweight,” Mendez mentioned. “He’s the No. 1 at featherweight, so why not give him a rematch? He ought to get a rematch from every part he’s carried out. And look, Ilia is even saying he needs to combat Conor McGregor, however Alexander Volkanosvki needs the combat once more and is prepared to go to Spain to combat you. So hey, give the person what he deserves. What number of instances did he defend the featherweight title? He wants the rematch.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 302.