Islam Makhachev delivered exactly the kind of statement performance that his coach Javier Mendez has been waiting for. At UFC 322 in New York City, Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena to become the new welterweight champion and officially join the elite club of two-division UFC champions.
For Mendez, this win was not just about the belt. It was proof that Makhachev is now the clear number one pound for pound fighter in the world.
“I feel good. I feel that Islam proved that he belongs as number one pound for pound,” Mendez said on Submission Radio. “I think a lot of people thought he was, but now he has solidified that. I do not think there should be any question on who the pound for pound greatest right now is, and that is him.”
Mendez believes that if Makhachev continues to dominate at this level, he could eventually be considered one of the greatest fighters of all time. However, he wants to wait and see how the next few fights go before making that claim fully.
The UFC pound for pound rankings are expected to reflect Makhachev’s performance. Many fans and analysts expect him to return to the number one spot after the dominant win. While some have criticized Della Maddalena’s performance, Mendez says that the real focus should be on how great Makhachev truly is.
“It is not that Jack is not a great champion. He is. It is just that Islam is at another level right now,” Mendez explained. “The speed difference between Islam and him was night and day. People will realize how good Jack still is when they see other fighters try what Islam did. Good luck.”
As for what comes next, the options are wide open. Newly crowned lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has already called out Makhachev. Javier Mendez is ready if the UFC decides to go in that direction.
“If the UFC offers Topuria, no problem,” said Mendez. “We are going to meet him eventually if he keeps coming up. But I seriously doubt Islam will go down. It would be the first time anyone goes for triple champion status. That would be a monster fight for the whole world.”
Whether it is Topuria, another welterweight contender, or a super fight in the future, one thing is clear. Islam Makhachev has officially proven that he belongs at the very top of the sport.
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