“You will be that guy…” Coach Javier Mendez puts his faith in Islam Makhachev to go beyond Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 311
Islam Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, urges the fighter to beat UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov's record in the lightweight division.
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Islam Makhachev to break the all-time title wins record in UFC lightweight history (via Imago/Instagram)
Islam Makhachev returns this Saturday, fully recovered from hand surgery, to defend his UFC lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan. Going into the fight, Khabib Nurmagomedov and coach Javier Mendez are dedicating themselves to Makhachev’s training. The highly anticipated showdown has fans buzzing, as Makhachev looks to cement his dominance as one of the lightweight GOATS.
This will be Islam Makhachev‘s fourth-ever lightweight title defense, which is the record number of title wins in UFC 155 lbs history. He has already passed Nurmagomedov’s three defenses in his last win at UFC 302. Recently, a video went viral of Mendez giving a speech in which he motivated Makhachev to break the lightweight record.
If the best you’re gonna be is world champion, everything you do needs to be for that one particular goal to be the best you can be…Islam you’re gonna break the four-fight legacy thing of being the only lightweight that has five total title wins, you will be that guy.
Javier Mendez via UFC
The UFC lightweight division has long been one of the most competitive in the sport, showcasing some of MMA’s biggest stars. Known for its perfect blend of athleticism and power, the 155-pound division consistently delivers high-level, electrifying matchups. Its relentless competitiveness has made it notoriously difficult for any fighter to maintain dominance over an extended period.
👏🫡Javier Mendez gives inspirational speech to Islam Makhachev ahead of his fight against Arman Tsarukyan:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 13, 2025
“If the best you’re gonna be is world champion, everything you do needs to be for that one particular goal to be the best you can be…
Islam you’re gonna break the four… pic.twitter.com/QW6HIunbzZ
During his prime, as a champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov was able to dominate most of his opponents with ease. However, his early retirement stopped him from making more title defenses, which is often used against him in the GOAT debate. At UFC 311, Makhachev has the opportunity to rewrite history and become the greatest lightweight fighter of all time.
Former UFC lightweight champion predicts Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is one of the most complete fighters on the UFC roster with incredible wrestling and striking prowess. In the past, he has dominated fighters such as Dan Hooker, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, etc., with his ground game. Similarly, he has proved his striking capabilities by knocking out opponents such as Alexander Volkanovski.
Makhachev takes great pride in being the pound-for-pound ace and is willing to fight anyone. In his last fight against DP, the fighter showed his grit and determination, which is a huge aspect of being a champion. Going into UFC 311, former rival Charles Oliveira also said something similar.
It’s not even that I’m 50-50, you know? I just think that they’re both really great, amazing fighters and, you know, my point is that Islam has improved a lot in the standup. You know, you can look at their first fight and there’s a lot of grappling, but I feel like Islam has improved a lot in the standup so I feel like that can make a difference.
Charles Oliveira via Manouk Akopyan
Arman Tsarukyan, on the other hand, doesn’t believe in the invincibility of Makhachev and is confident about dethroning the champ. The fighter has prepared a secret strategy that will help him to register a win at UFC 311. It will be interesting to see how everything pans out this weekend.
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Ameetosh Dash
(865 Articles Published)