Islam Makhachev delivered the assertion victory his coach hoped for at UFC 322.
This previous Saturday, Makhachev turned the eleventh two-division champion in UFC historical past, dominating Jack Della Madalenna to say the welterweight title in the principle occasion of UFC 322 in New York Metropolis. The efficiency was fully one-sided and, in response to his coach Javier Mendez, ought to firmly reestablish Makhachev as the most effective fighter within the sport.
“I really feel good. I really feel that Islam proved that he belongs as No. 1 pound-for-pound,” Mendez instructed Submission Radio on Sunday. “I believe lots of people thought he was, however now he’s solidified that. I don’t suppose there must be any query on who the pound-for-pound best proper now could be, and that’s him. And on the charge he’s going, if he continues to go, he might very nicely find yourself being the pound-for-pound best of all time. However let’s wait to see how we do in our subsequent few fights earlier than we bounce that gun.”
In all probability, Makhachev will retake the highest spot within the UFC pound-for-pound rankings this week, particularly given the convenience with which he beat Della Maddalena. The truth is, it was so one-sided that afterward, a number of fighters have been important of Della Maddalena’s efficiency, however Mendez believes that’s the unsuitable lesson to take from Saturday.
“Make no mistake about it, I instructed you guys that if we make the combat look straightforward, it’s as a result of we prepare arduous for it,” Mendez stated. “It’s not that Jack isn’t an amazing champion. He’s. It’s simply I really feel Islam’s at one other stage out of anyone proper now. …
“I seen that the pace distinction between Islam and him was night time and day, and I simply stated proper then and there, ‘Matador model.’ It means evade, keep on the surface, and keep that distance, as a result of Jack, lots of people aren’t giving him the credit score he deserves, as a result of he’s an amazing fighter. Wait and see what the following individual that fights with him — they suppose they’re going to do what Islam did to him? Good luck.”
As for what’s subsequent for Makhachev, that’s very a lot up within the air. There is no such thing as a scarcity of potential contenders for the brand new welterweight champion, together with the brand new light-weight champion Ilia Topuria, who already chirped at Makhachev. And if that’s finally the combat the UFC desires to make, Mendez is prepared for that.
“Let’s see what occurs. If the UFC gives [Topuria], no downside,” Mendez stated. “I can’t reply for Islam, however I’m saying no downside. …. Let’s face it, we’re going to satisfy him ultimately, whether or not it’s the White Home or whether or not it’s one other time, let the UFC resolve that. However we’re going to satisfy him ultimately if he desires to proceed to return up, however I critically doubt Islam will need to come down. And for him, it’s the primary time anyone will ever go for a triple [champion]. He could be the primary triple challenger, so that may be a monster combat for the entire world.”
