Mendez On Topuria Being Toughest Test For Nurmagomedov

Javier Mendez believes Ilia Topuria would pose the biggest challenge for Usman Nurmagomedov in the UFC lightweight division.

Nurmagomedov stopped Archie Colgan in the first round Friday at PFL New York, completing his contract and moving to 22-0 in his career. The 28-year-old is now the hottest free agent in MMA, with the UFC and PFL both pursuing his signature. Mendez told Submission Radio that whoever lands Nurmagomedov is getting the best lightweight in the world now that Islam Makhachev has moved up to welterweight.

Why Mendez Sees Topuria As Nurmagomedov's Toughest Puzzle

The American Kickboxing Academy coach wants his fighter to jump straight into the deep end if he signs with the UFC, targeting top-five opponents like Arman Tsarukyan or Topuria. Of the two, Mendez gave the edge to Topuria as the most difficult test. "He's going to be the toughest puzzle, and he's the one I would have the most respect going up against," Mendez said, per MMA Fighting. "My opinion is [that] our toughest task we have to work on is Ilia. He is definitely, by far, our toughest challenge."

Topuria has history with Mendez's team, having chased a fight with Makhachev for much of the past two years before Justin Gaethje upset him at UFC White House. Mendez said he rates Topuria highly and called him the toughest puzzle to solve, though he expects Nurmagomedov to match up well with every top lightweight.

Nurmagomedov told reporters after his win that money talks in free agency, leaving his next move uncertain. The UFC appears likely to pair him with a top-five opponent like Paddy Pimblett or Max Holloway if he signs, according to Mendez.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Morning Report | Javier Mendes says Ilia Topuria is ‘by far’ the toughest UFC test for Usman Nurmagomedov | MMA Fighting