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Javier Mendez, the head coach of American Kickboxing Academy, believes that Islam Makhachev has the skills to dominate beyond his current division. As the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Makhachev has already proven himself a dominant force, but Mendez sees a potential future for him in the middleweight division.
“If that’s what he wanted to do, I 100 percent feel Islam can do that,” Mendez told The Schmo in a recent interview. “But, it’s what he wants to do that will happen. Not his ability. His ability, I mean, come on. I see it in the gym, guys. I see it, so I know how good this guy is. So, yeah, 185 is not gonna be an issue for him. It’s a matter of whether he wants to.”
While Makhachev competes in the 155-pound lightweight division, the middleweight class is 30 pounds heavier. Yet, Mendez sees no problem with the jump, provided Makhachev is motivated to make the move. The coach revealed that Makhachev walks around at 179–180 pounds during training camp, which makes the transition feasible, albeit requiring some muscle-building adjustments.
“When he comes in training camp, he’s always walking around 179, 180,” Mendez said. “So, obviously, if he ever went to middleweight, he’d have to put on some muscle. But, not saying he can’t and not saying he won’t or he doesn’t want it. I don’t know, we’ve never discussed it.”
For now, Makhachev’s focus remains on defending his lightweight belt. He is set to face Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 311 on January 18. Tsarukyan, who previously lost to Makhachev in 2019, aims to avenge that defeat and claim the lightweight crown.
If Makhachev successfully defends his title and considers a move to middleweight, the UFC landscape could shift dramatically. With the endorsement of a coach like Mendez, fans can only speculate on how far Makhachev’s dominance could extend.
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