Reported 4 months ago
Javier Mendez, head coach of Islam Makhachev, believes that Ilia Topuria should not rush for a lightweight title shot against Makhachev, preferring Makhachev to move up in weight for bigger challenges. Mendez respects Topuria's skills but feels there are better fights for Makhachev. He emphasizes that in the end, it's the promotion that decides the matchups, not the fighters' preferences. Mendez suggests Topuria defend his belt and highlights the importance of respecting past champions like Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC.
Source: YAHOO