“Best boxing in the business” - Islam Makhachev’s coach gets brutally honest about Ilia Topuria, reveals what he respects about ‘El Matador’ 

At UFC 311 last weekend, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev solidified himself as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world today. After his original challenger, Arman Tsarukyan, pulled out at the last minute due to injury, Makhachev was forced to face a new opponent in No.10-ranked Renato Moicano.

With just a day to prepare for a new opponent, the champion proved why he wears gold as he handily dispatched 'Money Moicano' with his trademark D'Arce choke in the first round. After his win, the MMA world is clamoring for the next man to challenge the dominant lightweight king.

One man people are speculating to be a huge challenge for Makhachev is his fellow champion a weight class down, UFC featherweight king Ilia Topuria. Although he's established himself early in his career as a feared submission artist, Topuria has become one of the most frightening punchers in the sport today, earning back-to-back KOs over former champions in his last two fights.

Topuria's boxing is so revered in the MMA world that even Makhachev's coach, AKA's Javier Mendez, recognized the featherweight champ's powerful hands:

"I'm a fan. I know he's got the best boxing in the business, for me. He's very enteraining in how he talks. He doesn't talk about nobody else but the fighter themselves. And I respect that about that guy. Nothing but pure respect, you know."

Listen to Javier Mendez talk about Ilia Topuria here (7:17):

---

Javier Mendez reveals Islam Makhachev's plans to move up to welterweight and beyond

It seems Islam Makhachev is truly planning to wear more titles other than the UFC lightweight belt. Unfortunately, it may not involve facing Ilia Topuria. According to Mendez, Makhachev has real plans to conquer the 170-pound weight class, ruled by his close friend and teammate Belal Muhammad.

Mendez said (9:56):

"Let's see what happens. If Shavkat [Rakhmonov] can get Belal [Muhammad], which, you know, I'm not pulling for Shavkat - but if he does, you know...Shavkat's a great fighter, man. So I don't know. Belal is the type of fighter that when he comes to fight, he shows up to fight."

He added:

"Let's see what happens, you know. But for some reason, if something happens, or Belal moves up in after, you know, hopefully he beats Shavkat. If he does, then maybe he'll go up in weight. And then we'll go after the 170."

Mendez added that he can see Makhachev making history and becoming the first three-division UFC champion, possibly moving up to middleweight.