Islam Makhachev’s Coach Hints at Middleweight Ambitions
Islam Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez praised the lightweight champion’s ability to compete at middleweight in an interview discussed in August 2024. The remark was a coach’s assessment, not an announcement that Makhachev planned to move up or challenge for a second title. Yahoo Sports, citing MMA Junkie, reported Mendez’s comments.
Makhachev was still defending his lightweight title
At the time, Makhachev was the UFC’s 155-pound champion. He had most recently defended the belt against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, winning by submission late in the fifth round. The UFC’s event results record the finish at 2:42 of the final round.
A move to middleweight would mean a jump from the lightweight limit of 155 pounds to the middleweight limit of 185. Mendez’s confidence made for an interesting hypothetical, but it did not establish that Makhachev intended to make that move or had a bout lined up. Earlier in 2024, Mendez had discussed a possible welterweight path for his fighter, as MMA Fighting reported.
A possibility, not a fight announcement
The middleweight talk therefore belongs in the realm of speculation. Makhachev’s immediate record at the time was built at lightweight, and any move would require a decision from the fighter and his team, followed by an opponent and bout agreement. Mendez’s praise spoke to his belief in Makhachev’s skill; it did not confirm a change of division.
Sources
Sources: Yahoo Sports / MMA Junkie on Mendez’s comments; UFC 302 official results; MMA Fighting on earlier welterweight discussion.
Sources: bjpenn.com
Tags
MMA, Combat Sports
