Islam Makhachev's coach reacts to Ilia Topuria's lightweight move

Javier Mendez isn’t sure if Ilia Topuria has earned the right to challenge UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) vacated his featherweight title for a move up to 155 pounds, and wants to challenge Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) for the lightweight title.

While the UFC didn’t announce what’s next for Topuria yet, Mendez would rather Makhachev’s next title defense didn’t come against another 145-pounder. Two of Makhachev’s four title defenses came against ex-UFC featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.

“Of course he’s cutting the line, but hey, if the fans – if that’s what they want to see and that’s what the UFC wants to see then that’s basically … he is cutting the line, but it’s not a true sport,” Mendez told Submission Radio.

“In a sport like this, which is not a true sport, it’s entertainment first. So if more eyeballs are going to pay attention to Topuria, then obviously that’s what the UFC’s going to want.”

Makhachev’s manager wants to see Topuria earn the title shot by fighting a top-ranked lightweight first. If Topuria ends up facing someone like Dustin Poirier, Mendez likes his chances.

“Yeah, I definitely do,” Mendez said on Topuria beating Poirier. “I’ve said it on many occasions: I think he has the best boxing in the whole UFC, all the weight divisions. I believe his boxing is the crispest out of everybody. He’s got great wrestling, his mental is strong, he’s undefeated. I favor him – slightly, but I favor him.”