While Javier Mendez admits that Arman Tsarukyan is deserving of a title shot against Islam Makhachev, he recently explained why the Dagestani prefers a matchup against Leon Edwards.
Makhachev defended his lightweight title with a fifth-round submission win over Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 302 last weekend. Makhachev subsequently called for a welterweight title shot against Leon Edwards after the victory.
However, waiting in the wings is No. 1 lightweight contender Tsarukyan, who turned down a UFC 302 gold bid against Makhachev due to quick turnaround from his victory of Charles Oliveira in April.