[autotag]Javier Méndez[/autotag] back [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] moving up to middleweight.
UFC lightweight champion Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) dreams of two-time champion status, but his plans to move up to welterweight were put on hold after his friend Belal Muhammad won the 170-pound title .
Arman Tsarukyan is named as Makhachev’s next opponent, which would give Makhachev the opportunity to break the UFC record for most lightweight title defenses.
“That’s a good reason to fight Arman or anyone else, and you’ll have the most defenses in lightweight history,” Mendez said. Red Corner MMA. “I can’t believe three is the record. It’s incredible how this happens.
“So many fighters won titles there but never kept it for more than three title defenses. So Islam is going to break the record, and I want to see him be considered one of the greatest of all time, and I believe he is on the right path. do this.”
Makhachev’s return was delayed after suffering ligament damage in his hand. If Makhachev manages one more title defense, Mendez would like to see him pursue another UFC title.
With the welterweight division not happening, Mendez thinks Makhachev has the skills to excel at middleweight.
“After that, we’ll see what happens,” Mendez said. “Maybe Islam will gain weight and get to 185. I mean, he’d have to gain weight, obviously, because that’s a little big for him. You never know. He’s that good. (He’s) No. 1, pound per pound. for a reason.”
Related
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Beneil Dariush Damages UFC Champion Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan as ’60-40′ or ’55-45′ Fight
This article was originally published on MMA Junkie: Javier Mendez likes Islam Makhachev’s chances at middleweight: ‘He’s very good’
