‘They’re on the Hit List’: Javier Mendez Reveals Islam Makhachev’s Next 3 Targets
The head coach of AKA has laid out a plan for the welterweight champion and has a vision for what the rest of the title reign will look like.
Islam Makhachev is coming off one of the toughest wins of his career against Ian Garry at UFC on 15 August. He now sits at the top of the all-time consecutive win streak record with a 17-0 mark.
Just two weeks after the fight, Mendez is already thinking about the next. He has mapped out what Makhachev’s title reign looks like.
Javier Mendez Maps Next Plan for Islam Makhachev
In an interview with Submission Radio, when asked about the timeline for the welterweight champion’s next fight, Mendez replied, “He's ready to go, you heard him say he wanted to fight before Ramadan.”
When asked about next possible opponents, Mendez mentioned three elites from the division. "I'm hoping we get Prates. I mean, there are three people on my hit list that I think is probably the same hit list for everybody else: Morales, Prates, and Shavkat. Those three. I want those three for him, because taking care of those three guys — if we are victorious, if we can manage to get past all three — now what?" Mendez said.
Mendez's goal goes well beyond simply the next bout. He is thinking past all of the division's top contenders. And if Islam Makhachev does this, he will have nothing to prove in the sport.
Makhachev Wants a 20–0 Streak
Before the Ian Garry fight, Makhachev hoped to reach the 20-fight win streak mark, making it extremely unlikely that a fighter would break it.
Now, with the Garry win, he is 17-0 in the UFC. However, it is important to note that Garry gave Makhachev a tough fight and exposed some of his flaws. He clearly had the size disadvantage.
Several killer fighters in the welterweight division will look to capitalize on those mistakes. Thus, the 20-fight win streak is easier said than done.
However, Makhachev has pledged to improve his game and gain some weight before his next fight. Despite multiple contenders, Makhachev has stated that he wants to fight Carlos Prates next. It will be interesting to see whether the UFC makes it happen or not.
