The lightweight division has recently been in turmoil, with misunderstanding and suspicion surrounding several of its top fighters, most notably Islam Makhachev. According to UFC journalist Álvaro Colmenero, Makhachev will stay at lightweight instead of moving up to welterweight. This clarity is vital since the lightweight category has been chaotic, with competitors like Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje vying for prospective bouts. As curiosity grows about Makhachev’s next fight—whether it’s a rematch with Justin Gaethje or a new challenge from Ilia Topuria—the question arises: What part does team Khabib Nurmagomedov ‘s head coach, Javier Mendez, play in deciding who Makhachev will fight next? Well, it seems like it is Nurmagomedov who is the man pulling the strings.
In a revealing conversation on The Javier and Mo Show, Coach Mendez made it clear that he has no involvement in the matchmaking process. “Since 2012, I’ve been involved with absolutely 0%—zero, absolutely positively 0%—in regard to Khabib’s crew,” Mendez stated. He explained that all matchmaking decisions, from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s early days with his father to the involvement of manager Ali Abdelaziz, were made by others. He further reiterated that his role is merely to prepare fighters for the trials that await them, not to pick who they will face in the Octagon. Instead, it is Ali Abdelaziz and Khabib Nurmagomedov who take that role and see who gets to face their fighters next. “From what he was doing back then with his father and whoever his manager was, to when Ali came on board, I had zero to do with any of that. I just wait for them to tell me what’s going on, and we prepare for whoever we have in front of us. I never really asked—only thing I ask is, ‘When are we going?’” he said.
Furthermore, Mendez emphasized his cautious approach to fight announcements, stating that he awaits official confirmation from the UFC before discussing any potential matchups. “He recounted an incident in which someone wrongly informed him that Umar Nurmagomedov was scheduled to fight Song Yadong in December, but this was never confirmed. Mendez made it clear that even if someone in his camp communicates information, it is not official until the UFC acknowledges it. His stance is straightforward: “I don’t say anything until the UFC announces it,” he explained, emphasizing the necessity of avoiding confusion and premature speculation.
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Javier Mendez’s strict approach is consistent with his overall coaching philosophy, which emphasizes training and fight preparation above the business aspect of the sport. While reports about Islam Makhachev’s next fight range from a possible confrontation with Gaethje to a highly anticipated clash with Ilia Topuria, his role will stay steady. He will focus on getting Makhachev ready for whoever the UFC ultimately chooses for him, leaving the matchmaking to others. However, there are times when he does dabble a bit in his fantasy bookings.
Javier Mendez wants a title shot for Paddy Pimblett
Building on his devotion to only training and preparing fighters for their fights, Javier Mendez’s view of the lightweight title scene takes an unexpected turn while discussing Paddy Pimblett. While Makhachev’s coach keeps focused on his tasks, he cannot help but express his respect for a fighter like ‘The Baddy.’ Although Pimblett did not specifically mention Makhachev following his decisive victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314, he believes the emerging star is more than capable of facing anyone in the division, including the champion himself. Javier Mendez’s ideas are based on genuine respect, and despite the UFC environment being crowded with good contenders, he believes Pimblett deserves a shot at the title sooner rather than later.
Mendez’s support for Paddy Pimblett is backed by his assessment of Paddy’s impressive UFC career. Team Khabib’s head believes ‘The Baddy’ has the potential to challenge for the title now, despite not facing the regular sequence of rated opponents, based on his undefeated record and ability to build fan interest. The coach was clear on the Javier and Mo Show: “Paddy is ready to face anybody.” Pimblett’s credentials, ability to entertain, and growing fan base are enough to earn him a title opportunity, according to Mendez.
And, while ‘The Baddy’ did not directly mention Islam Makhachev, he believes that a lightweight title fight between the two is certainly within reach for the Liverpool native. This view is supported by Mendez’s developing admiration for Pimblett, both as a fighter and as a marketable personality. “I’m a huge fan,” Mendez admitted, reinforcing his opinion that Pimblett’s star power and fighting abilities had earned him a legitimate spot at the top. Whether the UFC listens to his perspective remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the lightweight class is on the verge of another shake-up. What do you think? Does Paddy Pimblett deserve a title shot? Let us know in the comments.
The post Islam Makhachev’s Next Fight Uncertain as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Actual Influence in Dagestani Matchmaking Revealed appeared first on EssentiallySports.
