Javier Mendez agrees with Arman Tsarukyan’s choice to not battle Islam Makhachev on quick discover.
Tsarukyan defeated former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He was supplied a title shot in opposition to light-weight champion Makhachev on lower than two-months discover at UFC 302 on June 1, however turned down the chance because of the lack of time to arrange.
Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) misplaced a back-and-forth battle to Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) in his UFC debut. Makhachev’s coach Mendez thinks Tsarukyan was proper to say no a fast turnaround.
“From those that I do know with him, they stated that, yeah, he’s simply stated he wouldn’t be prepared for that kind of battle simply but,” Mendez advised Submission Radio. “You realize, he may need extra time to arrange. And you understand what? That’s the precise name from him. It’s like, he’s within the driver’s seat, additionally, so why would he threat his probability?
“Why not go correctly ready for the chance that he offered himself by having a victory over Oliveira? So no, I feel it’s true, and I feel he did the precise factor by what he must do for what he desires. Had it been anyone else, I don’t know what they might have executed. I feel somebody like Max Holloway, if he was put in that scenario, he in all probability would have been one of many few guys that might have stated, ‘I’m in.’”
As a substitute, Makhachev will defend his title in opposition to Dustin Poirier at Prudential Heart in Newark, N.J. If Makhachev will get handed “The Diamond,” Mendez expects Tsarukyan to be subsequent, however wouldn’t be shocked if he wasn’t.
“I feel Arman goes to be greater than doubtless the man, I’m pondering,” Mendez stated. “Who is aware of. But when every thing goes in keeping with what they might in all probability need, we’re OK with Arman. We’re OK with Max. Regardless of the UFC gives, Islam’s going to take it. I’m certain it’s not his preferable selection.
“If he asks Islam what he desires after this one, he’d need to go for the welterweight title as a result of he desires to repeat what different folks not often do: grow to be a two-(division) champion. In order that’s what he would need – I’m fairly certain about that. Nevertheless it’s a matter of whether or not the UFC desires to present him that chance proper now. I feel sooner or later, they may.”
For extra on the playing cards, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 302.
You should definitely go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.