Will Usman Nurmagomedov ever make a move to the UFC? This is the question which is bothering most of the MMA fans out there. The 26-year-old is creating havoc in the Bellator’s lightweight division. Nurmagomedov currently holds a record of 17-0 in his career and is ready for his next clash with Alexandr Shabliy. So What’s next for the lightweight champion?

Will he follow in the footsteps of his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov and make a move to the UFC? It seems he might never go there. Let us find out what his longtime coach has to say about it.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin Usman Nurmagomedov might never go to the UFC feels coach

Usman Nurmagomedov burst onto the scene after his impressive debut performance against Mike Hamel at Bellator 255. The Dagestani fighter is yet to lose in his Bellator career and the fans now want to see in the UFC. But it seems he and his team have different plans. Coach Mendez, who has worked closely with the group feels it all depends on the 28-year-old. While speaking to ‘The Schmo’ he said, “Anything’s possible but at the present time you know Bellator ‘s taking really good care of him. And let’s see what happens.” 

The UFC is one of the most biggest promotions and most MMA fighters want to get a contract with them. However, with many new promotions coming up fighters have a lot to choose from. This is what exactly coach Mendez feels and said, “Bellator is a great organization they treated us really well always.” Nurmagomedov is one of the fastest risers in the Bellator and despite getting suspended for a banned substance his title was never taken away. He is also set to defend his title on September 7 at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Keeping all these factors in find the legendary coach had no hesitation is saying, “ I can’t say anything about we’re going to go to the UFC. Because we may never go to the UFC. We may always be with Bellator let’s see.”

While Nurmagomedov may not be moving to the UFC currently, one of Mendez’s favorite student Islam Makhachev, is already a renowned name in the promotion. However, the lightweight kingpin is currently suffering from an injury and will not be a part of UFC 308. So what will be next for the 32-year-old? Javier Mendez has the answer for you.

Islam Makhachev’s future plans revealed by his coach

Islam Makhachev was desperate to challenge himself in his career and was eyeing the welterweight title next. After defending his title three times in the lightweight division, Makhachev had no challenge let in the division. However, he will now have to wait as one of his close associates, Belal Muhammad now holds the title. ‘Remember the Name’ previously made it clear that he would never face the lightweight champion, as he considers him as his brother. With the welterweight title out on contention, what’s next for the 32-year-old Dagestani fighter?

Makhchev is currently nursing an injury on his hand and will be out of action for quite some time, as revealed by his coach. However, Mendez knows exactly what’s in store for his student. While speaking to Helen Yee he gave out the details of his next fight and said, “I would think it will be the Arman rematch because I don’t see anything else on the horizon you know being that Belal you know, won the welterweight title. I seriously; seriously doubt that they would want to fight each other now. So I think that changes the dynamics of going for a belt situation.” 

Who do you think Islam Makhachev will fight on his return from injury? Let us know in the comments below.