Makhachev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Islam Makhachev occupies a prominent place in UFC history, but, for Javier Mendez, there is still a way to go before the Russian is definitively placed at the top. On the eve of the next fight of the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg), at UFC 330 , against Ian Garry , this Saturday (15), in Philadelphia, the coach revealed that he believes his pupil is just a few steps away from becoming the greatest fighter of all time.
In an interview on the 'Weighing In' podcast, available on YouTube, Makhachev's longtime coach at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) stated that the champion needs to maintain a high level in upcoming fights and make dominant title defenses to solidify his legacy.
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"If Makhachev has three or four more fights, and is successful and defends his title spectacularly, there will be no doubt for anyone that he is the greatest of all time," said Javier Mendez.
The statement comes at an important moment in the Russian's career, who has already won the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) and subsequently moved up a weight class to win the welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena . The move has further expanded the fighter's legacy in the organization.
Now, Makhachev will face Ian Garry in his first welterweight title defense. If he follows Mendez's plan and accumulates more significant victories, the Russian could further strengthen his candidacy for the title of greatest fighter in UFC history.
Islam Makhachev's MMA fighters
Makhachev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 34 years old, Makhachev is one of the top names in the UFC and currently the organization's welterweight champion. The Russian has a professional record of 28 wins and one loss, with five wins by knockout and 13 by submission, numbers that highlight his dominance in grappling and his evolution in striking.
Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has built one of the most dominant careers in the event's recent history. He has victories over names like Charles Oliveira , Dustin Poirier , Alexander Volkanovski , and Renato Moicano , and maintains a long winning streak in the organization, with 16 consecutive wins.
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