Javier Mendez delivers inspirational speech to Islam Makhachev ahead of Arman Tsarukyan rematch at UFC 311: "You will be that guy"

Islam Makhachev is set to defend his UFC lightweight title for the fourth time at UFC 311 against Arman Tsarukyan. Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, delivered a motivational speech to inspire the champion.

Makhachev is on the verge of making history in the UFC, as no other lightweight champion has successfully defended the title four times. With a win over Tsarukyan at Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Makhachev can etch his name into the promotion's history books.

In a clip now reshared by Home of Fight on X, coach Mendez delivered an inspirational speech to Makhachev, reminding the Dagestani star of his ultimate goal and expressing confidence in his success. Mendez said:

“If the best you’re gonna be is world champion, everything you do needs to be for that one particular goal to be the best you can be… Islam you’re gonna break the four-fight legacy thing of being the only lightweight that has five total title wins, you will be that guy”

Check out Javier Mendez’s comments below:

The reigning lightweight champion last competed at UFC 302, where he submitted Dustin Poirier in the fifth round. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan was last seen in action at UFC 300. In a closely contested fight against Charles Oliveira, Tsarukyan secured victory via split decision.

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Michael Bisping questions Arman Tsarukyan's temperament ahead of his fight against Islam Makhachev

In a recent appearance on TNT Sports, Michael Bisping highlighted one thing that could be a game-changer in the Islam Makhachev-Arman Tsarukyan matchup at UFC 311.

The UFC commentator emphasized Tsarukyan's temperament, recalling Tsarukyan's involvement in an altercation with a fan at UFC 300. Bisping asserted that mindset could play a significant role in the outcome of the fight. Bisping said:

“The one thing that is slightly concerning me for Arman Tsarukyan is the mindset. The last time he walked out, he punched someone in the crowd... that tells me about your temperament and your ability to handle emotions in these big, big fights and that can be a game changer.”

Check out Michael Bisping’s comments below: