Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev’s coach, remained unfazed after Ilia Topuria criticized the Dagestani’s wrestling-heavy strategy at UFC 322 against Jack Della Maddalena. Mendez firmly defended both the game plan and the performance that secured a second championship for his pupil.
Mendez explained that the approach against Della Maddalena was mapped out weeks earlier during training camp. The focus was on maintaining steady pressure, securing early takedowns, and controlling long stretches of the fight to leave no room for surprises.
The prominent MMA coach also dismissed the idea that the win lacked excitement. He pointed to the staggering control time in the title fight at Madison Square Garden and emphasized the significance of adding a second belt to Makhachev’s resume.
Speaking in a recent interview with Submission Radio, Mendez said:
“I mean, as a fighter, you’ve got to try to mark up the fights and get everybody involved. And he [Topuria] does a great job of doing that, you know.”
He added:
“You know, if the UFC offers him, no problem. I mean, I can’t answer for Islam, but I’m saying no problem. Islam and Ali [Abdelaziz], who I consider the greatest manager in the business, will do the right thing for Islam. But let’s face it, we’re going to meet him eventually, whether it’s the White House or another time. Let the UFC decide that, I say. But we’re going to meet him eventually if he wants to continue to come up. But I seriously doubt Islam will want to come down.”
Check out Javier Mendez’s comments below (14:30):
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### Paddy Pimblett Says Islam Makhachev’s Rise Could Reshape Ilia Topuria’s Plans
Paddy Pimblett believes Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight has complicated the race toward Ilia Topuria’s next title defense. Pimblett still wants his own path to a lightweight title shot; however, he feels Topuria may now be tempted by the idea of chasing a third divisional crown.
He also points out that welterweight suddenly has a fresh group of contenders after the strong showings from Carlos Prates and Michael Morales at UFC 322. Pimblett expects the UFC to control the direction of both champions and challengers.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said:
“Let’s see what’s happening now with Islam. Is Ilia going to stick to his word and say he’s going to move up? Or is he going to stick to his other word and say he’s going to fight me next? We don’t know what’s happening. You never know. I could end up fighting Ilia. I could end up fighting Justin Gaethje, as I thought it was going to be in Abu Dhabi, but no one knows what’s happening until Islam decides what he’s doing because Ilia’s saying he wants to fight him.”
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-i-doubt-islam-will-want-come-down-islam-makhachev-s-coach-addresses-ilia-topuria-s-callout-emotionless-fighter-allegations