Islam Makhachev Accepts 170-Pound Fight Against Max Holloway: 'Whatever the UFC Wants'

Islam Makhachev's next opponent could be Max Holloway, and the Russian fighter's coach, Javier Mendez, has given a clear answer on the matter.

What happened?

Mendez spoke about the possibility of Makhachev facing Holloway at 170 pounds in an interview with Submission Radio. The question came after Holloway's win over Conor McGregor at UFC 329, which left many wondering if he could be a viable opponent for Makhachev.

Why it matters for Islam Makhachev

Mendez made it clear that Makhachev is already in camp and in the right condition for his upcoming fight against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. However, he also stated that Makhachev would accept a fight against Holloway at 170 pounds if the UFC asks for it.

What comes next?

Mendez praised Holloway for his sportsmanship in the wake of his win over McGregor. He noted that Holloway could have easily capitalized on McGregor's injury, but instead chose to back away and give his opponent the respect he deserved.

Mendez also discussed the potential magnitude of a Makhachev-McGregor fight. He noted that McGregor's drawing power was a major factor in making the scenario different, and that a win over Holloway could have created the kind of event Makhachev's team would have been willing to entertain.

However, it seems that the UFC has other plans for Makhachev, and he will be facing Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. Mendez made it clear that Makhachev is already in camp and in the right condition for the fight, and that he will be ready to take on whatever challenges come his way.

In the end, it seems that Makhachev's next opponent will be Garry, but the possibility of a fight against Holloway at 170 pounds remains a tantalizing prospect for fans of the sport.

Mendez's thoughts on the McGregor fight

Mendez also spoke about the McGregor fight, which he described as a "bummer" due to the fact that it didn't materialize. He noted that McGregor's drawing power was a major factor in making the scenario different, and that a win over Holloway could have created the kind of event Makhachev's team would have been willing to entertain.

Mendez's respect for Max Holloway

Mendez also praised Holloway for his sportsmanship in the wake of his win over McGregor. He noted that Holloway could have easily capitalized on McGregor's injury, but instead chose to back away and give his opponent the respect he deserved.

Mendez's comments on the matter are a testament to the respect he has for Holloway, and a reminder that sportsmanship is just as important as winning in the world of MMA.

Conclusion

In the end, it seems that Makhachev's next opponent will be Garry, but the possibility of a fight against Holloway at 170 pounds remains a tantalizing prospect for fans of the sport. Mendez's comments on the matter are a reminder that sportsmanship is just as important as winning in the world of MMA, and that the UFC has a lot to consider when it comes to matchmaking its fighters.