Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev, the current UFC Lightweight Champion and the No.1 fighter in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings, is a mixed martial artist from Dagestan. Makhachev entered the M-1 Global competition for his professional MMA debut on February 12, 2011, where he faced Tengiz Khuchua and emerged victorious with a first-round knockout.
At present, Makhachev holds a record of 26 wins and 1 loss (26-1-0), with 5 wins coming by way of knockout, 12 by submission, and 9 via decision. Makhachev’s only loss was against Adriano Martins, who won via a KO in the first round. Makhachev faced Dustin Poirier on June 1, 2024, at UFC 302 for his third UFC lightweight title defense, and won via a last-round submission.
Who is the coach of Islam Makhachev?
Javier Mendez is the coach of Islam Makhachev. Mendez established the MMA gym known as the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). As a former ISKA kickboxing World Champion, he is primarily recognized for his role in coaching numerous MMA world champions, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier.
Is Khabib the coach of Makhachev?
Following his retirement from active competition, Khabib Nurmagomedov shifted his focus to coaching and served as a cornerman for Islam Makhachev at UFC 280, where Makhachev became the UFC Lightweight Champion. Eventually, he decided to retire from the sport altogether in January 2023.
After Makhachev’s fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, Javier Mendez, Makhachev's head coach, acknowledged that Khabib Nurmagomedov's absence is felt and appreciated but emphasized that Makhachev is backed by a strong team of coaches. He mentioned that while having Khabib's knowledge, energy, and wisdom is fantastic, Makhachev has an excellent support system. Mendez stated that Makhachev is a self-sufficient fighter with a deep understanding of the sport and requires relatively little guidance.
Makhachev received a boost in his preparations for the rematch against Alexander Volkanovski when Nurmagomedov returned as his coach. This event took place on 21st October 2023. Hasbulla Magomedov, a close friend of Makhachev and a famous figure on Russian social media, also expressed his desire to be present at the rematch shortly after this announcement. However, Nurmagomedov was not present in Makhachev's corner for the fight.
FAQs On Islam Makhachev’s Coach
A. Javier Mendez is the head coach of Islam Makhachev. Mendez is a celebrated MMA coach who has coached multiple champion fighters in the past, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, B.J. Penn, and Daniel Cormier.
A. Javier Mendez was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. with his family when he was just 6 years old. Mendez grew up in San Jose, California.
A. Yes, Khabib actively participates in training Makhachev and is frequently seen in his corner during fights.
A. Islam Makhachev holds an outstanding MMA record of 26 wins with just 1 loss (26-1-0). The only person to overcome Makhachev was Adriano Martins.
A. Islam Makhachev was supposed to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 294. Unfortunately, Oliveira withdrew as he sustained injuries near his eyes. A last-minute replacement was made, and Alexander Volkanovski stepped in to take Oliveira’s place.
