Islam Makhachev’s Coach Reveals Top Contender for Next Fight – And It’s Not Ilia Topuria!

After UFC 313 takes place this weekend, Islam Makhachev’s coach has his sights set on a different opponent rather than Ilia Topuria. Many fans expected Topuria to be the next challenger, but the reigning UFC lightweight champion and his team have other plans.

Islam Makhachev The Reigning Lightweight King

At this moment, Islam Makhachev is not only the UFC lightweight champion but also the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. His dominance inside the octagon is undeniable. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria has recently vacated his UFC featherweight title to move up to the lightweight division in pursuit of greater challenges.

Fans expected Topuria to be the next title challenger, but Makhachev’s team believes that he must earn his opportunity by securing at least one victory in the lightweight division before challenging for the belt.

Justin Gaethje Back in Title Contention After UFC 313 Victory

While Ilia Topuria has been pushing for a showdown with Islam Makhachev, it is Justin Gaethje who appears to be next in line. Following his victory at UFC 313, the former interim lightweight champion has positioned himself as a legitimate threat once again.

Gaethje has had two previous opportunities to claim the undisputed UFC lightweight title, but he fell short against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 and Charles Oliveira in 2022. However, with his recent performances, he has regained momentum and could be granted another shot at the championship.

UFC President Dana White has hinted that Gaethje, who currently holds the third ranking in the lightweight division, could be the next opponent for Islam Makhachev. This announcement has sparked excitement among fans, as Gaethje’s aggressive fighting style promises an action-packed showdown.

Islam Makhachevs Coach Backs a Fight With Justin Gaethje

When asked about the possibility of Islam Makhachev defending his UFC lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje, coach Javier Mendez expressed strong support for the matchup.

Mendez stated that the stylistic matchup between Makhachev and Gaethje is ideal. He emphasized that Gaethje is a high-profile fighter with an exciting fighting style, making him a perfect choice for Makhachev’s next title defense.

According to Mendez, the fact that Islam Makhachev has never fought Gaethje before adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fight. Fans are eager to see how Makhachev’s elite grappling and submission skills will fare against Gaethje’s relentless striking power and unbreakable durability.

Islam Makhachev Rejects Another Featherweight Champion Fight

Ilia Topuria has been campaigning for a fight with Islam Makhachev ever since he became the UFC featherweight champion. However, Makhachev has shown little interest in facing another former 145-pound champion.

After already defeating Alexander Volkanovski twice, Makhachev believes that he has nothing left to prove against featherweight fighters moving up to lightweight.

Prior to UFC 311, when asked about fighting another featherweight champion, Makhachev made his stance clear.

He stated that he is tired of giving opportunities to smaller fighters and is more interested in challenges that will cement his legacy. Makhachev is now focused on bigger opponents, and his ultimate goal is to become a two-division champion.

Islam Makhachev Eyes UFC Welterweight Title

Instead of defending his UFC lightweight championship against Ilia Topuria, Islam Makhachev is setting his sights on the welterweight division. He has openly expressed his desire to move up in weight and challenge for a second championship.

Currently, Belal Muhammad is one of the top contenders in the UFC welterweight division, and there is speculation that he could soon fight for the welterweight title. Makhachev is patiently waiting for the outcome of the welterweight division, as he aims to make history by securing two championships in separate weight classes.

Makhachev has made it clear that he does not care about Ilia Topurias name or status. His primary focus is on championship gold, and he believes that Topuria does not bring anything valuable to the table.

What is Next for Islam Makhachev?

With Islam Makhachev’s next move still uncertain, the UFC lightweight division is filled with questions. Will Makhachev stay and defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, or will he make the jump to welterweight and chase a historic second belt?

If Justin Gaethje is indeed next in line, the matchup will be one of the most anticipated lightweight title fights in recent memory. Gaethjes relentless striking and toughness could present a new challenge for Makhachev, while Makhachev’s elite grappling could neutralize Gaethjes power.

However, if Makhachev moves up to welterweight, it will mark a significant moment in UFC history as he attempts to join the exclusive list of fighters who have won titles in multiple weight classes.

For now, fans eagerly await an official announcement regarding Islam Makhachev’s next fight. Whether he stays at lightweight to face Justin Gaethje or moves up to welterweight for a new challenge, one thing is certain—Islam Makhachev’s dominance inside the octagon will continue to be one of the most compelling stories in MMA.

Stay tuned for more updates on Islam Makhachev’s journey as he continues to chase greatness.

Islam Makhachev’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

As Islam Makhachev continues to solidify his status as one of the greatest UFC champions, his future remains a hot topic among MMA fans and analysts. With an already dominant reign at lightweight, the question is whether he will continue defending his championship or take the risk of moving up to welterweight.

If Makhachev chooses to stay at lightweight, a fight against Justin Gaethje could be one of his toughest challenges yet. Gaethje’s relentless pressure, devastating leg kicks, and knockout power make him a dangerous opponent. However, Makhachev’s superior grappling and ability to control the fight could once again prove why he is the most dominant fighter in the division.

On the other hand, if Makhachev moves up to welterweight, he will enter a new battlefield filled with stronger and bigger opponents. Fighters like Belal Muhammad, Leon Edwards, and Shavkat Rakhmonov all pose serious threats. But for Makhachev, the chance to become a two-division champion is a challenge worth pursuing.

Regardless of his next move, one thing is clear—Islam Makhachev is not just fighting for victories; he is fighting for greatness. His next decision will shape his legacy and define his place among the MMA legends.