Since, defending his title at UFC 311 against Renato Moicano, Islam Makhachev is still looking for his next opponent. Though it’s certainly not due to a lack of willing contenders. The most logical choice, Arman Tsarukyan, finds himself in a tough spot with the UFC CEO Dana White after withdrawing from UFC 311 at the last minute. Despite this, his name continues to dominate discussions surrounding the division’s championship picture. Even coach Javier Mendez feels he is the right opponent for the champion next. But unfortunately he is not the only one in the picture.
Ilia Topuria who recently vacated his featherweight belt also has his eyes set on Islam Makhachev as his next opponent since moving to the lightweight division. Justin Gaethje after his win against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 also echoed the same feeling. Brazilian fighter Charles Oliveira is also waiting in the mix for a second fight with the champion. Makhachev has his plate full of opponents and needs to make the right choice. Fortunately, he has Javier Mendez by his side who like always made it clear and said, “Let’s see who they give us. We’re going to say yes.” However, he pointed out how exactly Tsarukyan can get himself a title shot next.
The 54-year-old sat down for a chat on the Javier and Mo Show and pointed out what exactly he wants next. The AKA head coach said, “Well for me I have always said Arman Tsarukyan because I feel for him. But I know how it works. He’s probably going to have to get another fight to get back on. We had to do the same thing with Khabib. He had to get another fight before he got his title shot. So basically it’s going to be one of those deals. I think that Justin Gaethje sounds fine you know. Charles Oliveira sounds fine you know.”
MMA: UFC 300 – Oliveira vs Tsarukyan Apr 13, 2024 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Arman Tsarukyan blue gloves reacts after defeating Charles Oliveira not pictured during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena Nevada USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 20240413_mcd_su5_149
The writing is on the wall—Islam Makhachev has no intention of waiting around for ‘Akhalkalakets’. If the UFC chooses to take the title picture in another direction, the reigning champion won’t think twice about moving on.
While Tsarukyan might have to wait for his title shot, coach Mendez thinks Justin Gaethje is the right choice for him. ‘The Highlight’ is currently ranked #3 in the division and coming off an impressive victory. Moreover, he is the new kind of challenge that will motivate Makhachev to work really hard. “To me, Justin Gaethje is the one I want. He’s the logical one for me. We fought him already, yeah we know. So he’s the best one for me to want to fight. He’s a logical choice.”, these were the exact words of Mendez during his show. But Chael Sonnen doesn’t quite agree with him.
Justin Gaethje is not the right choice for Makhachev feels Chael Sonnen
In his post-fight interview after his UFC 313 victory, ‘The Highlight’ acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his next opponent. However, the former BMF title holder took to his X account and asked for a title shot and wrote, “I’ve won 3 of my last 4, with my only loss coming in an exhibition fight. I deserve a shot at the belt. @danawhite, I’m ready.”
With momentum in his favor, will the UFC grant Gaethje his wish? Well, it’s difficult to say right now given how many contenders are in the picture for the title. And now, Chael Sonnen stepped in to cast his doubts and bet against ‘The Highlight’. While speaking to his audience on Instagram, ‘The American Gangster’ alluded to Jon Anik recently pointing out the possible showdown between Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev.
However, the former UFC middleweight doesn’t quite agree with the idea. He said, ” Justin Gaethje is 1-1 in his last two. Before you think that’s the worst record to get a title shot, Volkanovski is 1-3 in his last four fights, and he’s fighting for the belt. 155 pounds is very confusing right now. Ilia Topuria’s gotta be in that mix somewhere. Ultimately, whoever gets the nod— if their name is not Ilia Topuria, an undefeated reigning world champion— if he is not the one that absolutely should fight Islam, maybe we gotta listen to what Anik says.”
The former UFC fighter ended his chat with a serious question, “Tell me why Justin Gaethje should fight Islam and why he should be given the opportunity over Max?” That’s a fair argument given Holloway finished Gaethje in a buzzer-beater KO last year at UFC 300. But since Holloway just arrived on the 155-lb scene, after suffering the first KO loss in the division below, it’s a bit of a tough ask, especially considering ‘Blessed’ is ranked two spots below ‘The Highlight’ at lightweight.
This is the question we want to put in front of you as well. Should Justin Gaethje be the next one fighting Islam Makhachev? Does he deserve the shot more than Arman Tsarukyan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Team Khabib Underlines Bias For Arman Tsarukyan Fight Despite Justin Gaethje Being ‘Logical’ For Islam Makhachev appeared first on EssentiallySports.
