Islam Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez And regarding his recent statements “threat” That's because the lightweight champion raised eyebrows among MMA fans. Makhachev currently holds the 155-pound title and is scheduled to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1st. His last title defense was at UFC 294 in 2023, when he stunned the world with a stunning head kick against the Australian fighter. Knocked out in the first round.
At UFC 300, Arman Tsarukyan defeated former champion Charles Oliveira to become the number one contender for the belt, but due to the short turnaround time between fights, Tsarukyan declined to challenge for the championship. Poirier then scored a stunning knockout victory. benoît saint denis UFC 299 throws his name into the mix, and he's now set for another shot at securing the undisputed LW title.
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But what about Justin Gaethje? Before losing to Max Holloway at UFC 300, he was on a two-fight win streak, including a head kick KO of Poirier at UFC 291. However, Javier Mendez said on his own YouTube channel: “I thought he (Justin Gaethje) was the biggest threat to us, and now he's probably never going to be there for us, so there's no need to talk about him as a threat to us.”
His comments indicate that Team Khabib currently believes “The Highlight” is not a factor in Makhachev's title reign aspirations. However, fans didn't like the claim, highlighting their displeasure with Mendes' comments in the comments section. Let's take a look at what the fans are saying here.
Team Khabib and Islam Makhachev criticized by fans for 'firing' Justin Gaethje
Fans pointed out that Gaethje's famous knockout power could have caused problems for Makhachev, who has been knocked out once before, albeit early in their UFC fight. Adriano Martins At UFC 192.
“Gaethje’s power would have been a problem for Islam.”
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Others shared their opinion about how in the world of competitive mixed martial arts, fighters are only perceived as being as good as their last match.
“It’s kind of scary and disappointing to see people get disqualified even after an honorable loss.”
Fans also pointed out that Gaethje's performance at UFC 300 was a testament to his skill and grit, as he fought through the final rounds despite suffering adversity.
“We can sleep on Justin as much as we want. Things would have been different if he hadn't broken his nose in the first round. He was still close, but he kept his distance.”
Fans also criticized Islam Makhachev's team's statements, claiming that “mixed martial arts math” is not an effective strategy for picking fights, and that the Dagestani fighter has also struggled to get a shot at the belt during his career. I pointed out the time when
“MMA math doesn't help. Anyone can crush anyone without just blinking. Just ask Michael Johnson. Don't underestimate anyone. Crying for a title shot. Please be humble, Mr. Islam and his friends.
Some have pointed out that Makhachev's only two title defenses have been against featherweight Alexander Volkanovskiy.As such, they consider Mendes' statements strange considering the fact that the champion has yet to defend the belt against a fighter in the same weight class.
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“Are we saying he’s not a threat in the top 15 when he has literally never defended his title against a lightweight?!”
Fans also claimed that Makhachev was “running away” from Gaethje and that Mendes' statement that Gaethje was no longer a threat was an “excuse” to avoid a showdown with “The Highlight.”
“Why are you running away from Justin!!” @justin_gaethje wins the title match. He defeated Dustin, whom Islam fights next. Now I’m looking for an excuse to get away from Justin!! Stop running Islam.”
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In conclusion, the ongoing debate sparked by Javier Mendez's comments adds an additional layer of intrigue to how Islam Makhachev and his team will navigate the competitive landscape of the lightweight division. did.
As fans eagerly await the outcome of Makhachev's upcoming title defense, the question of which fighter poses a real threat to his reign continues to loom large in the minds of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. What do you think about Javier Mendez's comments? And are there any names that could end Dagestani's reign at the top of the 155-pound division? Share with us in the comments below!
