UFC has no say in who Conor McGregor fights but Islam Makhachev is viable matchup, says coach Javier Mendez
Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez recently opened up on a potential matchup between Conor McGregor and Makhachev. Mendez additionally claimed that the UFC has no control over McGregor's next opponent.
After Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA, his longtime friend and teammate Makhachev emerged as the clear successor in the lightweight division, and McGregor continued his feud with the Hall of Famer's camp by frequently calling Makhachev out.
The UFC double champion landed many jabs on Makhachev before the latter's title fight at UFC 302. In a post on social media, McGregor suggested the reigning lightweight champion had a staph infection, which was later confirmed.
Following UFC Saudi Arabia, in the post-fight press conference, Dana White was asked about a possible match between McGregor and Makhachev, with the lightweight champion's popularity in the Middle East. In response, White dismissed McGregor's bout with Makhachev.
However, in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Mendez stated that the organization has no say over who McGregor fights next. He also shared his thoughts on a potential McGregor vs. Makhachev fight, saying:
''That's a possibility with Islam and Conor, but let's face it, Conor dictates who he fights. I mean, anybody that thinks otherwise, the UFC doesn't dictate who Conor fights. Conor dictates who he fights. UFC may offer but if Connor says no it's no.''
He added:
''Let's be fair with each other, I don't like him but he's the biggest draw in the business, the records show it and I would love to watch him get beat so yeah I'm going to pay if he fights Islam, for sure I'll be in the corner.''
Check out Javier Mendez's comments below (11:50):
Conor McGregor will be a difficult opponent for Islam Makhachev according to Javier Mendez
Javier Mendez previously mentioned a potential fight between Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev. In an interview with Instant Casino, Mendez emphasized his excitement about the potential of this fight.
Mendez emphasized that Makhachev would need to put in a lot of preparation because of McGregor's depth of expertise and fierce character, saying:
''I love Islam [Makhachev] vs. Conor McGregor. That is a great fight for us and for the fans...But Conor would not be an easy nice work for Islam because you have to respect the man, he's got a lot of experience and the only way you make it an easy night is because you train hard - but it will never be an easy night with a guy like Conor, you better train your bu*t off because he's a real fighter and if he's going come in prepared, it's never going to be easy.'' [H/t: DAZN]