Javier Mendez Claims Islam Makhachev Would Have Won UFC 330 via Striking if He Wanted To

Javier Mendez is one proud coach following what transpired in UFC 330. After winning the welterweight belt from Jack Della Maddalena, the toughest ask for Islam Makhachev was to defend the same. While he was successful in doing so, Mendez now has delivered a strong take on Makhachev’s well-roundedness as a fighter. 

Javier Mendez Trusts Islam Makhachev’s Striking

Ahead of the fight, a lot of critics favored Garry for his impeccable striking. Even the likes of former UFC champion Israel Adesanya predicted Garry to win. During the bout, it was Makhachev who displayed his elite wrestling to control and exhaust his Irish opponent. According to the coach, Makhachev could have also beaten Garry in his own game. 

“We could stand with him. If Islam said, ‘Hey, I want to stand with the guy,’ I wouldn’t have let him, but you can stand with him. He’s just so well-rounded. He can do it all,” quipped Mendez. 

Well, Mendez might not be entirely wrong. While in the fight, Makhachev predominantly concentrated on his wrestling, he also showed his striking abilities. During an exchange, Makhachev landed an electric head kick that compelled Garry to faze out momentarily. 

However, despite praising his own student, Mendez also had some high words for the 28-year-old challenger. 

Javier Mendez Wants Ian Garry to Remain the No. 1 Contender

Everybody knew that the Irish fighter would be a tough fight. But watching Garry defend Makhachev’s vicious takedowns and counter him with lethal body shots, the 28-year-old just elevated his pedigree further. Reflecting on the future, Makhachev’s coach pointed out how Garry must remain as the rightful number one contender in the UFC’s welterweight division.

“lan Garry came in to demonstrate how tough he was, how deserving he is of the No. 1 spot, and he proved his point. He's the No. 1 contender for a reason, and he probably should be the No. 1 contender after this fight, in my opinion,” Mendez summed up on Submission Radio. 

Well, a lot of respect seems to have been exchanged between the two sides. Now, fans will be eager to follow both fighters’ next paths in the UFC.