Islam Makhachev’s coach recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of his fighter moving up to middleweight to chase a second UFC title. American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) head coach Javier Mendez said Makhachev would be competitive at 185 pounds but highlighted one key area the lightweight champion needs to improve.
Islam Makhachev Needs More Muscle Mass, Says Coach
Several videos online have shown Khabib Nurmagomedov coaching Makhachev during training sessions. However, in this case, it’s Mendez — AKA’s head coach and owner — offering insights. Mendez mainly oversees Makhachev’s striking, while Nurmagomedov focuses on his grappling.
Makhachev has been dominant at lightweight, riding a 15-fight winning streak, tied for the second-longest in UFC history with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. He also holds the record for the most UFC lightweight title defenses with four.
After his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, the Dagestani star expressed interest in fighting for a second belt. However, his close friendship with reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad rules out a welterweight title fight. That leaves a move to middleweight — and a potential clash with current champion Dricus Du Plessis — as the likely path.
Mendez weighed in on the idea during a recent episode of his “Javier & Mo Show” podcast.
“It’s [Makhachev’s move to middleweight] not far-fetched… He could compete. He could beat up a bunch of them. I don’t know who he can’t beat, but it would be difficult. I think we’ll have to put on some muscle,” Mendez said.
Du Plessis also addressed Makhachev’s potential move in a previous interview with Fox Sports Australia, pointing to the size difference between the two.
Du Plessis said, “Look, he [Makhachev] trains with 185ers in his gym. But there is only one world champion. So, kudos to him for saying what he did, but it doesn’t really matter because I’ll overpower him in any situation. I know he walks around heavy. But I walk around heavy. He’s a big lightweight, I’m a big middleweight. There’s a big difference there.”