Javier Mendez Explains Islam Makhachev’s Decision to Leave Lightweight: Exclusive

Islam Makhachev has permanently moved up to welterweight, according to his coach Javier Mendez, and the decision has already paid off as Makhachev claimed the welterweight championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena to become a two-division UFC champion. Mendez explained the reasoning behind leaving lightweight behind rather than returning to challenge then-lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Makhachev is now preparing for his first welterweight title defense.