“One Isn’t Enough”: Javier Mendez Says Ilia Topuria Needs Multiple Wins Before Islam Makhachev Super Fight

Before losing his lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250 against Gaethje, Topuria was the most talked-about opponent for the welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. 

Two dominant champions, two weight classes between them, a collision that felt inevitable. However, Mendez has set Topuria back significantly. 

Javier Mendez Says Ilia Topuria Has to Win ‘More Than One’

In an interview with Red Corner MMA, Mendez touched upon the possibility of a superfight between Makhachev and Topuria. “His loss has definitely changed the trajectory of that fight happening because he has to get another fight under his wings and it has to be in spectacular fashion,” Mendez said.

“And after that, he probably has to get one more. Because even one win isn't going to be enough. He's going to have to do more than one,” he added. 

That message is simple: Topuria will not get a shortcut, and no single victory, no matter how spectacular, will be enough. 

Shortly after defeating Topuria, Gaethje refused any idea of a rematch, stating that he wanted the Spaniard to fight one more time considering how badly he had fallen. 

Topuria is recovering and is expected to return no sooner than spring 2027. Also, Arman Tsarukyan is currently scheduled to face Mauricio Ruffy in a title eliminator at UFC 331, complicating the timeline even more.

However, Mendez believes that even if Topuria meets the conditions for the Makhachev bout, he would struggle in the welterweight division. 

Mendez Has Doubts About Topuria at Welterweight Too 

Ilia Topuria became featherweight champion before deciding to pursue a second lightweight title. He had publicly discussed chasing a third UFC welterweight belt as well.

But Mendez is skeptical that Topuria's body will allow it. "I don't think, because he's a smaller guy, I don't think his body is going to translate as good as he would like it to be at the welterweight division. That's a lot, that's a lot," he said. 

The AKA coach also cited Alex Pereira's recent loss at heavyweight to support his claim. Pereira held titles in two weight classes (middleweight and light heavyweight) but failed on his third attempt. Mendez feels that excessive weight gain became a problem for him. 

Despite his dominance, Topuria appeared far from his best in front of a natural lightweight. Even Islam Makhachev seemed less strong in a division 15 pounds heavier than his normal weight. Thus, Topuria, who weighs 180-190 pounds, would struggle against men with long arms and inherent strength at welterweight.