by Adam Josephson
Javier Mendez acknowledges that Arman Tsarukyan deserves a title shot against Islam Makhachev but recently explained why Makhachev prefers a matchup with Leon Edwards.
After defending his lightweight title with a fifth-round submission win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, Makhachev called for a welterweight title shot against Edwards. Despite Tsarukyan being the No. 1 lightweight contender, Makhachev’s coach Mendez believes that a welterweight title would add more to Makhachev’s legacy than another lightweight defense.
UFC CEO Dana White has agreed that Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan is a fight to make, acknowledging Tsarukyan’s earned right to a title shot. However, Mendez argues that a welterweight title fight would cement Makhachev’s legacy, much like Jon Jones’ success in two weight classes has solidified his status as the pound-for-pound No. 1 in White’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Edwards, who will defend his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, has dismissed the idea of fighting Makhachev soon, stating that they both have unfinished business in their respective divisions. Edwards also noted that UFC 302 marked Makhachev’s first title defense against a seasoned lightweight, as his previous defenses were against former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.
