“He Should Earn It Like Volk Did”: Fans Ask Islam Makhachev to Set “New Goals” After His Coach Revealed the Future Plans of the Lightweight Champ

Islam Makhachev has a monumental bout coming his way. The UFC lightweight champion is all set to fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 294. The bout between the two top UFC fighters is scheduled for October 21 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. When the past fight between Makhachev and ‘Do Bronx’ is considered, there is a high chance for the lightweight kingpin to win the the upcoming showdown.

The two UFC greats first locked horns at UFC 280 in October 2022; back then, it was Makhachev who won the bout in the second round via submission. The glorious victory against the Brazilian fighter made him the lightweight champion, as well. Now Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, has revealed that the Dagestani fighter has great goals set for the future. However, when fans learned about Makhachev’s plans, they were not at all optimistic about them.

Islam Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, was having a conversation with Submission Radio. During the interview, Mendez mentioned that he wants Makhachev to fight Alexander Volkanovski after he wins against ‘Do Bronx’ at UFC 294. He said, “I’d want Alex [Volkanovski], Yeah, I would, I’d want Alex.” The fight between Makhachev and ‘The Great’ took place at UFC 284 at the beginning of the year. The bout was a highly close affair, where the judges scored in favor of Makhachev.

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However, it was a controversial win, as many believed that the true winner was the Australian fighter. Hence, Javier Mendez wants a rematch between Volkanovski and Makhachev to prove that his student is a better fighter. Following this, Mendez also mentioned that MakhAchev would move up to the welterweight division to become a double-division champion. When fans came across Makhachev’s future goals, they were quick to react.

Fans react to the future goals of Islam Makhachev

One of the fans mentioned that Makhachev should beat the new BMF champion, Justin Gaethje. He believes that Gaethje would be a tough opponent for Makhachev; hence, before moving up, the Dagestani fighter should prove himself as better than ‘The Highlight.’ Another fan felt that the UFC lightweight kingpin should defend his title against an “actual lightweight.”

• “get pass charles, volk, and gaethje thenn talk about movin up”
• “Bro needs to defend his title against an actual lightweight besides Oliveira”
• “Beating volk for the first time”

A fan believed that Makhachev was not going to win against Oliveira and Volkanovski for the second time. Whereas another believed that the 31-year-old could never beat the top welterweight fighters, which include Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, and Colby Covington.

• “Won’t win again against Charles or Volk, so ya need new goals”
• “Islam will never beat usman, edwards or Colby. No chance”

A fan strongly felt that Makhachev wouldn’t beat Colby Covington. Hence, he mentioned that his plans wouldn’t come to fruition.

•  “Dont see 3 happening. Colby gon be champ by then and i think Islam cant beat Colby.”

One of the Instagram users mentioned that Makhachev should earn great fights like Volkanovski.

• “He should earn it like Volk did”

From the reactions of the fans, it is clear that they believed the future plans of Makhachev were not possible. Some felt that he wouldn’t be able to win against Oliveira and Volkanovski, while others felt that Makhachev wouldn’t be able to beat the welterweight greats. What are your thoughts about Islam Makhachev’s future plans? Let us know in the comments below.

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