Javier Mendez thinks UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is en route to becoming an all-time great.
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) recently broke the record for most title defenses in UFC lightweight history when he quickly submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January. Mendez has always had high praise for Makhachev, but isn’t ready to call him the most well-rounded fighter in the sport just yet.
He ranks former UFC champions Jon Jones and Demetrious Johnson higher.
“I’ve been saying he’s the most well-rounded fighter in the lightweight division,” Mendez said on his “Javier & Mo Show.” “The reason why I don’t go with all time is only because of Demetrious. I think Demetrious is unbelievable. Jon Jones is another unbelievable well-rounded guy. But in the lightweight division, I can easily say Islam Makhachev is hands down.
“And I’ve been saying that a long time. But, to say over everybody, there’s two guys that are in contention for that title and that is Jon Jones and that’s Demetrious, but having Islam in that category is unbelievable because at the rate he’s going, if he continues going, he could very well end up becoming the GOAT. It’s a good possibility that it could happen, and he will have earned it.”
Makhachev is currently linked to a potential title defense against former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, even though his team dismissed the idea. Justin Gaethje is also another option after he rebounded with a win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.
