Coach Javier Mendez doubts Ilia Topuria could match Islam Makhachev's grappling skills in potential clash: "That's not a smart move"
Javier Mendez recently expressed his skepticism about whether Ilia Topuria could rival Islam Makhachev's grappling skills in a potential matchup. 'El Matador' defended his featherweight title in historic fashion last Saturday, becoming the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308.
Topuria had persistently predicted a knockout against 'Blessed' leading up to their fight, and now the undefeated Spaniard has declared he would be the first to submit the reigning UFC lightweight champion if they were to face off. However, Makhachev’s coach questions the practicality of Topuria’s bold ambitions.
During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Mendez addressed Topuria's aspirational plans against Makhachev, asserting that his protégé possesses exceptional grappling skills and that 'El Matador' has minimal chance of success against him:
"That would be an area I’d be foolish to want to try to go up against, boxing for boxing. That’s not a smart move, you know? And it just would be like, if Ilia decided to go submission for submission with Islam, that’s not a smart move on his part either. So it’s all strategy and how you approach it, how your fighter approaches it, and what mistakes you can correct while the fight is going on."
Check out Javier Mendez's comments below (10:18):
Topuria has consistently conveyed his enthusiasm for moving up a division to challenge Makhachev in a potential champion vs. champion bout. The reigning 145-pound champion has stated that this would be the fight he pursues after dealing with Holloway.
Javier Mendez applauds Ilia Topuria for his exceptional boxing skills
During the same interview with Submission Radio, Javier Mendez expressed his admiration for Ilia Topuria's ability to mix up his techniques and effortlessly secure a takedown against Max Holloway at UFC 308.
However, what truly resonated with the founder of the American Kickboxing Academy was the elite boxing skills that 'El Matador' showcases in the octagon:
"I mean, when he took Max down with ease in the first round, I said, 'That's the way you fight MMA,' and he has a very strong stand-up game. I would think that he’s probably the best boxer in the whole entire division. He’s really crisp and very on point with his boxing, and therefore, you see how he uses it really, really well. He’s a complete fighter, but his boxing, I think, is his best attribute out of everything he does. He’s impressive, very impressive." [1:42]