"They have a lot to say" - Javier Mendez makes opinion clear on Islam Makhachev's potential welterweight move and UFC's role in the decision

Islam Makhachev's potential move to welterweight is on hold for the time being, according to his longtime coach Javier Mendez. The Dagestani has shared interest in moving to 170 pounds in search of a second UFC title. But with Belal Muhammad occupying the throne, who has trained with Makhachev in the past, a clash between the pair does not interest Mendez, nor his student.

The American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) founder also shed light on discussions with the UFC about the lightweight champion's fighting future. Mendez was recently interviewed by The Schmo, where he discussed the 33-year-old's plans moving forward. He said the following:

"As long as Belal is where he's at, I don't think Islam will go up. I really don't, I could be wrong because he can make the decision for himself. But I'm thinking as long as [Belal is champion] he won't want to [move up]."

"The UFC can also decide what they want, too. They can decide to reject your opportunity to go up or encourage your opportunity to go up. So they have a lot to say about what happens with his career. He's not gonna say no whenever they offer him an opponent."

Catch Javier Mendez discuss Islam Makhachev below (4:00):

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Arman Tsarukyan shares P4P No. 1 pick between Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is currently ranked No.1 on the UFC's pound-for-pound list, with Jon Jones ranked No. 2, something that UFC CEO Dana White is less than happy about.

Both fighters have displayed incredible levels of dominance over their respective opponents, and have looked largely unbeatable. The performances offered up by Makhachev and Jones have led to raging debates about who the true No.1 P4P best fighter in the world should be.

The lightweight champion's upcoming opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, recently shared his opinion on the P4P best. Tsarukyan and Makhachev will clash in the main event of UFC 311 on Jan. 18 and he was interviewed by ESPN MMA ahead of the bout.

Tsarukyan was asked if the Dagestani was the No.1 P4P fighter in the sport, and said:

"In my opinion, he's number two pound-for-pound, because number one is Jon Jones. For me, personally. [Makhachev] is number two. But for sure, in [the] 155 [pound division], yeah he's the pound-for-pound [best]."

Catch Arman Tsarukyan discuss Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones below (9:55):