Islam Makhachev put on an impressive performance to defeat Drew Dober via submission at UFC 259. As a result, his stock rose even further, and he is expected to get a top-ranked opponent next.
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Makhachev always seems to have the backing of his brother and UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, their coach, American Kickboxing Academy’s Javier Mendez, believes there is something even ‘The Eagle’ should learn from his brother. What is this aspect where the Russian legend is overshadowed.
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – APRIL 07: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia prepares to fight Al Iaquinta in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 223 event inside Barclays Center on April 7, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Speaking to The Schmo in a recent interview, Mendez said, “I wish Khabib when he was fighting with do that, Listen. You know Khabib doesn’t listen. I mean, I you have to look back as is to win his fight for the title. You know, he stood, you know, and I didn’t want him to stand so he stands for the title he stood with Conor You know, he stood with Michael Johnson I mean, he defies me a lot of the times.”
“The last two fights Khabib didn’t defy me he did exactly what we wanted him to do. But Islam has always done that you know, he is a professional all the way through and through and he’s got great IQ you know, and great grappling as you as you saw, so yeah, he did be very proud and the whole team you know. Father’s plan was in full effect,” he added.
Who should Islam Makhachev fight next?
Makhachev called out Tony Ferguson after his win against Dober. However, with Ramadan coming up, the Dagestani might be out for some time. Javier Mendez also believes Ferguson shouldn’t have to wait for Makhachev’s return, as ‘El Cucuy‘ is looking to get back to the win column as soon as possible.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: (R-L) Islam Makhachev works for a submission against Drew Dober in their lightweight fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Makhachev was set to fight former UFC lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos, last year, but he had to withdraw from the bout. His camp believes re-booking that fight makes the most sense, as it will give Makhachev the first taste of a top-notch UFC lightweight. Also, stylistically, the fight looks very intriguing for the fans.
Nevertheless, fans can only hope the Russian gets back on the horse as soon as possible and maintain an active run in the division.
What did you make of Javier Mendez’s revelation about ‘The Eagle‘ and Makhachev? Let us know.
