Javier Mendez lays out future plans for UFC champion Islam Makhachev: “I’d love to see that”

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, will not be featured on the UFC 300 card, but his coach has an update.

UFC 300 will feature a pivotal lightweight clash between former 155-pound titleholder Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. UFC CEO Dana White has claimed the bout will determine the number one contender for a shot at Makhachev’s lightweight gold. It’ll be interesting to see who who will emerge victorious to challenge Makhachev, but what is the Makhachev camp thinking in terms of the future?

American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez has something to say about that.

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Islam Makhachev Roadmap, Per Javier Mendez

During an interview with Casino Alpha, Mendez expressed his desire to see Islam Makhachev fight inside a historic arena, as well as the opponents who are on his fighter’s radar (via MMAFighting).

“After Ramadan, I’m hoping the UFC will fight Islam at Madison Square Garden, only because it’s good for his marketability to fight in the U.S.,” Mendez told Casino Alpha. “That’s what I’d like, but right now there’s no fight on the horizon for him just yet. I’m sure soon the UFC will announce a return for him, but just not yet.

“Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and then the welterweight title. They would be my three next fights for Islam. I’d like to see Islam become the welterweight world champion in 2025. I’d love to see that, and I know he would too. If we get two fights this year, who knows, you might see the UFC offer him a title shot sooner.”

Makhachev has been sharing his goal of one day capturing the UFC Lightweight Championship. If he can get past his remaining challengers at 155 pounds, he could put himself in prime position to achieve just that.