Current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is all set to defend his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. The Dagestani fighter has been waiting for a long time to get his next fight. However, the UFC kept declining his next title defense because of a lack of options. Talking about options, one of the biggest contenders for the title shot was former BMF champion Justin Gaethje.

However, a recent interview by Javier Mendez might just ruin his chances of getting a title shot next. Let us find out what the legendary coach had to say about ‘The Highlight.’

Javier Mendez shares his honest opinion on Justin Gaethje in his recent interview

Justin Gaethje impressed everyone with his performance against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. Many felt that he would challenge Makhachev for the 155-pound title next. However, the fight never materialized because Makhachev already had his next opponent for UFC 294. Rumors suggested that the pair would finally meet at UFC 300.

However, it was Holloway who finally took on Justin Gathje at the historic event. What followed was a knockout loss for Gaethje at the hands of Max Holloway. He not only lost the BMF title, but it now seems he has even lost the opportunity for a title shot next. Javier Mendez recently shared his opinion on the former champion and why he is no longer a threat to the Dagestani.

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Championship Rounds recently shared a video on X of the legendary coach. Mendez in the video said, “Ya for me the guy out of all the guys that for us stylistically was very dangerous out of all of them was Justin Gaethje. Stylistically. Because his wrestling pedigree and his striking is very good. He is strong and you know. It’s all apples and oranges right because everybody brings in different skill sets. So I thought he was the biggest threat for us. And now he is probably never gonna be in the picture for us going forward. No need to talk about him for us as a threat he is never gonna be there. I don’t think.” 

Islam Makhachev has now moved on from the challenge of Justin Gaethje. His next opponent, Dustin Poirier, is high on confidence after his emphatic UFC 299 victory. However, his win does not affect the Dagestani fighter, who is confident of beating him at UFC 302.

Islam Makhachev reveals his game plan for his fight against Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier was never the first-choice opponent for the current lightweight champion. He was more interested in fighting the top contenders in June, but most of them appeared at the historic UFC 300 event. Lack of options and Poirier’s impressive victory at UFC 299 have now earned him a title shot. The mind games between the pair have already begun and it seems Makhachev has already devised a plan for ‘The Diamond’. He recently pointed out the flaws in the game of Poirier and even shared his game plan. 

He said, “His problem is his style. That’s the one problem this guy has. His weak point is wrestling and grappling. And I have the key for the easy fight, and if I follow the plan, I can beat him easy. My style and Khabib’s style—it’s worst style for this guy, Dustin. People that can take him down, hold him there, always give him problems,” Poirier has also responded to the claims and has warned Makhachev about his “guillotine.”

Will Islam Makhachev dominate Dustin Poirier on the ground? Or will ‘The Diamond’ come out on top because of his striking prowess? Let us know in the comments below.