Summary
Javier Mendez, coach of Islam makhachev. Photo: Instagram/Javier Mendez
Head coach of Islam makhachev, Javier Mendez is preparing the Russian to face Jack Della Maddalena with the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) at stake. However, even with a huge challenge in the main event of UFC 322the coach did not fail to mention Ilia Topuria, another big name in Ultimate constantly associated with the representative of the Dagestan Clan.
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In participation in the Espaitec's 'Know Time' last Saturday (18), the leader of the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) recognized the Georgian/Spanish talent in stand-up fighting, but raised questions about specific aspects in the medium/long distance and the grapple.
"Against him (Topuria), I would say stay out of his boxing range, 1 million percent. He has the best boxing in the business. His weakest point is his kicking area, and that's where you have to test your grappling with him," said Mendez, who has been in the corner of names like Daniel Cormier, Cain Velazquez e Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Javier Mendez Breaks Down Ilia Topuria's Weaknesses
"I would say with him, stay out of boxing range, 1 million percent. He's got the best boxing in the business." He adds, “The weakest link on him would be the kicking area, and then you have to test your grappling with… pic.twitter.com/E4NvgtXyp6
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 20, 2025
Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev could face each other in the future
Former lightweight belt holder (up to 70,3 kg), Islam makhachev left the category in search of his second title in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). He has Ilia Topuria followed a similar path in the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg). He successfully captured the lightweight crown by knocking out Charles of the Bronx in the main fight of UFC 317The two began to provoke each other a lot throughout this period, so much so that a duel between the two became a desire for many sports fans.
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