As far as Javier Mendez sees it, the path to greatness for Islam Makhachev is a pretty simple one.
Mendez, speaking with Casino Alpha recently, laid out a three-fight future for his fighter that would lead to challenging for the welterweight title.
Makhachecv, the reigning lightweight champion moved to 25-1 at UFC 294 in October when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski. He has defended his title twice vs. Volkanovski since taking it from Charles Oliveira in 2022.
“Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira and then the welterweight title,” Mendez said (thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes). “They would be my next three fights for Islam. I’d like to see Islam become the welterweight world champion in 2025.
“I’d love to see that, and I know he would too. If we get two fights this year, who knows, you might see the UFC offer him a title shot sooner.”
Islam Makhachev Next Fight Not Set
At the moment, there is no scheduled fight for Makhachev, as many of his top challengers are already set for matches. Mendez, though, views an upcoming event in Madison Square Garden as a potential landing spot.
“After Ramadan, I’m hoping the UFC will fight Islam at Madison Square Garden,” he said. “It’s good for his marketability to fight in the U.S.
“That’s what I’d like, but right now, there’s no fight on the horizon for him just yet. I’m sure soon the UFC will announce a return for him, but just not yet.”
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