Justin Gaethje 'ideal' next matchup for Islam Makhachev, says coach

Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje next, if his coach Javier Mendez has any say in the matter.

The Dagestani is hoping to continue his reign of terror in the lightweight division and has several options of who his next fight may be. One choice for the 155 lbs champion is the former featherweight king, Ilia Topuria; though he isn’t the preferred opponent.

Legendary coach Javier Mendez has weighed in on who he believes is the perfect man to test themselves against Islam Makhachev’s title dominance. 

“Fantastic, then it’s Justin Gaethje,” Mendez said in response to who’s next. “We’ll focus on Justin Gaethje.”

“That would be ideal for us, the perfect matchup based on the fact where his standing is and what he’s done. And he’s a big known guy and Islam hasn’t fought him so he’s perfect.”

Justin Gaethje got the honor of sharing the octagon with Khabib Nurmagomedov before the star’s retirement, but coach Mendez believes a fight with Islam Makhachev would go much differently.

“It definitely in my opinion would play out differently because [Khabib and Islam] are not the same fighter. They’re not the same fighter.”

“Islam is more well-rounded than Khabib ever was. So, Islam is at the point where he’s pound-for-pound number one because he’s well-rounded in all the areas…”

“It’s an entirely different fight. Islam, he can do it all. He can stand with him, he can take him down, he can do anything.”

Related: Daniel Cormier dominates Khabib Nurmagomedov in leaked training footage

Mendez continued.

“Let’s see what the UFC decides but I think that Dana [White] saying that [Gaethje is next], I’m with Dana on that.”

“I think that it’s something that definitely, I myself am excited about the probability of that. Or, I like Arman [Tsarukyan].”

Listen to coach Javier Mendez’s comments about Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, and more below.

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