A few days before his rematch against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev continues to make lightweight history.
His coach Javier Mendez, it was not Tsarukyan or another contender who posed the most problems for the champion, but Dustin Poirier. Islam Makhachev is one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC. With an almost perfect record, only one defeat dating back to 2015 against Adriano Martins, the Dagestani has had a string of impressive victories. At his side since the start of his rise, his coach Javier Mendez has always highlighted the constant progress of his protégé.
Recently asked about Makhachev’s biggest challenge to date, Mendez did not mention Arman Tsarukyan, his next opponent, but pointed to his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. “Dustin was the biggest challenge” Mendez told Submission Radio. “It was a Dustin I had never seen before. He was simply incredible”. This fight, concluded with a submission in the fifth round, allowed Makhachev to demonstrate his resilience and his ability to dominate in the face of adversity.
“Arman?” …for now for Islam Makhachev, it’s Dustin”
For Javier Mendez, the exceptional qualities of Dustin Poirier marked a turning point in Makhachev’s career. Despite the constant pressure imposed by the American, the champion remained calm and opportunistic to secure a decisive victory. “This fight was a war” added Mendez, recalling the intensity of the confrontation.
On the other hand, Arman Tsarukyan, who Makhachev will face at UFC 311, does not yet seem to be one of the most notable opponents. Their first meeting in 2019 was competitive, but for Mendez, it is still too early to judge the evolution of this rival. “I can’t talk about Arman now, that remains to be seen” he said.
The choice not to bring up Tsarukyan as a major challenge raises questions about the champion’s approach to this rematch. If their first confrontation had been close, the two fighters have evolved, and this new chapter promises to be decisive for Makhachev, eager to consolidate his place at the top of the lightweight category.
With eager fans and an opponent ready to disrupt the champion’s plans, Makhachev will have to prove once again why he is considered one of the best fighters of his generation. But for his coach, the biggest test still remains behind him, in the form of Dustin Poirier at the top of his art.
Is the fight against Arman Tsarukyan an easy fight for Islam Makhachev?
