Hoping to secure his student, Islam Makhachev a high-profile showdown with arch-rival, Conor McGregor, head coach, Javier Mendez insists that while the UFC can’t dictate – he would like to see the Russian land a huge fight with the polarizing star next.
Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, and pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter in the promotion, has been sidelined since he racked up his third consecutive successful title fight defense at UFC 302 back in May.
Submitting common-foe, Dustin Poirier with a fifth round D’Arce choke win, Islam Makhachev was expected to take on Arman Tsarukyan in a title fight rematch at UFC 308 at the end of October, however, has been ruled out until potentially next year as he deals with an unspecified arm injury setback.