While Javier Mendez agrees that Arman Tsarukyan deserves a title fight against Islam Makhachev, he recently explained why the Dagestan would prefer to face Leon Edwards.
Makhachev defended his lightweight title with a fifth-round submission win over Dustin Poirier in the main event of last weekend’s UFC 302. Makhachev subsequently demanded a welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards following his victory.
But in the wings is No. 1 lightweight contender Tsarukyan, who bounced back so quickly from his win over Charles Oliveira in April that he turned down an offer to fight for gold against Makhachev at UFC 302. After UFC 302, the company’s CEO Dana White also agreed that Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan would be the next bout.
Mendes, Makhachev’s longtime coach, also believes Tsarukyan deserves a title fight, but he would still like his protégé to try for the welterweight title next. According to Mendes, a potential double championship would do Makhachev more good for his achievements than a lightweight title defense.
While Makhachev is the No. 1 fighter in UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, White named Jon Jones the pound-for-pound champion after UFC 302. Mendes went on to argue that Jones’s two-division world championship status is what makes him No. 1 in White’s rankings.
“He’s earned his spot and Armand is going to get his chance, whether it’s now or later, he’s going to get his chance. He deserves it and he’s earned it,” Mendes told Submission Radio. “But [for] Islam, if you give me the opportunity to fight for the welterweight title, that’s perfect, I’ll take it, because he wants a legendary fight. And honestly, who’s more legendary, defending the title at lightweight or going for the welterweight title? Obviously welterweight. Why do you think Dana White said that about Jon Jones? Because Jon Jones fought at heavyweight and was dominant at heavyweight.
[Dana’s] He’s pound for pound. [No. 1]. “
Meanwhile, Edwards, who is scheduled to defend his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad (23-3) at UFC 304 in Manchester on July 27, recently dismissed the idea of fighting Makhachev in the near future. According to “Rocky,” both fighters have work to do at their respective weight classes before planning a superfight. The Brit also pointed out that UFC 302 will be Makhachev’s first title defense against a veteran lightweight contender, with his two previous defenses coming against former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
