Mendez: Makhachev Doesn't Care Who's Next
Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez says the champion doesn't care who he fights next as speculation swirls.
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Islam Makhachev's coach says the champion has no preference for his next opponent. Javier Mendez, who has trained Makhachev for years at American Kickboxing Academy, said Makhachev doesn't care who he fights next, a stance that fits the fighter's long-running reputation for treating every name on the shortlist the same way.
Mendez didn't single out a specific challenger or attach the comment to any particular booking. The message was simple: Makhachev leaves the matchmaking to the UFC and shows up ready regardless of who's across the cage.
What Mendez's Comment Signals for Makhachev's Camp
Coaches don't usually go out of their way to say a champion is indifferent to matchmaking unless there's real chatter about who's next in line. Mendez's comment reads as a way of shutting down speculation before it builds, telling fans and media that the fighter himself isn't lobbying for a soft touch or dodging anyone.
That kind of message from a corner is common when a champion is coming off a big showing and the division below him is jockeying for position. Whether the UFC lands on one name or another, Mendez's framing suggests Makhachev's side won't be the one holding up a fight over style matchups or resume padding.
Betting Angle
Without a confirmed opponent or date, there's no line to point fans toward yet. But a coach publicly stating his fighter will take on anyone tends to keep a champion's odds steady across potential matchups rather than shifting sharply toward one direction, since sportsbooks price in Makhachev as the favorite against most of the current contender pool regardless of who ultimately gets the call. Bettors should wait for an official announcement before any market on the fight itself becomes worth touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Javier Mendez say about Islam Makhachev's next fight?
Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev's longtime coach at American Kickboxing Academy, said Makhachev doesn't care who he fights next, indicating the champion has no preference on his next opponent.
Who is Javier Mendez?
Javier Mendez is Islam Makhachev's head coach at American Kickboxing Academy and has guided him throughout his UFC career.
Has Islam Makhachev's next opponent been announced?
No specific opponent or date has been confirmed publicly for Islam Makhachev's next fight.
