his coach reveals his biggest adversary

MMA – Javier Mendez, who trains Islam Makhachev, named the fight he thinks will be the toughest of his protégé’s career.

Undefeated since 2015, Islam Makhachev has reigned supreme in the lightweight category since 2022. Since his victory against Charles Oliveirathe Dagestani chained the defenses. The protégé of Javier Mendez won twice against Alexander Volkanovski. Last June 1, the Makhachkala native submitted Dustin Poirier in Newark, New Jersey. This Saturday, January 18, the successor of Khabib Nurmagomedov will put his gold back into play against Arman Tsarukyan in Inglewood, California. The Armenian has had four consecutive victories since his last setback. The American Top Team prodigy scored a victory against Charles Oliveira on April 13 in Las Vegas. This allowed him to become a challenger for the under 70 kilos belt.

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Islam Makhachev: his biggest challenge

As his next release approaches, Javier Mendezwhich leads Islam Makhachev revealed the name of his protégé’s biggest adversary in an interview with Submission Radio. According to his words, it was not a question ofArman Tsarukyan : « Dustin Poirier was the biggest challenge. He gave everything. It was a version of himself I had never seen before. He was incredible. For me, it’s him. I don’t know about Arman. Because it hasn’t happened yet. But at this point, it’s him. » For now, the Dagestani is considered the favorite by the bookmakers. It remains to be seen whether the Armenian will manage to beat the odds by creating a surprise in the main event of UFC 311.