“Let Dana Do What Dana Does”- Amid Opponents Uncertainty, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach Opens up on Islam Makhachev’s Fight in Abu Dhabi

Coach Javier Mendez has an update on whether Islam Makhachev will fight in UFC 294 at UFC Abu Dhabi. The legendary coach, who is the founder and coach of the MMA gym American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), which has produced UFC champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, and BJ Penn, revealed Islam’s plans for the event on his YouTube channel.

Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira for the lightweight championship at UFC 280 in 2022 and then outpointed Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 285. Both Volk and Oliveira want to rematch Makhachev for the lightweight title.

What Mendez said about Islam Makhachev fighting at UFC 294

On his YouTube Channel, Mendez said Islam has not been booked yet for UFC Abu Dhabi in October. “No fight booked. We don’t know nothing, but let Dana do what Dana does and because I can tell you yeah we’re gonna fight so-and-so and it doesn’t happen until the contracts are signed,” he said. “Nobody Knows. The UFC knows and they’ll announce it when a fight is signed.”

Talking to the media after Oliveira’s first-round victory against Beneil Dariush at the UFC 289 post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White said he wants the Brazilian to fight the Dagestani next, saying Oliveira “looked like a world-beater tonight. I’m excited for him [Oliveira] and Islam to fight again.“

However, Charles Oliveira told journalist Aron Bronsteter that he would not be ready to face Islam in October. However, Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, responded to this on Twitter, declaring that Islam will fight in Abu Dhabi.

Alexander Volkanovski is willing to fight Islam Makhachev in October 

UFC featherweight champion Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski went up to 155 lbs. to challenge Islam for the lightweight title in a bid to become a two-weight champion. He lost in a unanimous decision to the Dagestani but has indicated his willingness to face Makhachev in October.

Read More – “He’s Coming for His Belt”: Charles Oliveira’s Record 20th Finish Has Fans and Pros Demanding Islam Makhachev Fight After Brutal Beneil Dariush KO at UFC 289

“I want that Islam fight. I think not only for me to get that belt, to get that win back, but I think it is a massive fight for the UFC as well,” the Australian said. “These people want extra time off and here I am telling you I’m going to get surgery and I’ll probably going to turn out there in October.”

Even though no fight has been booked yet, Makhachev seems to prefer fighting in Abu Dhabi as per his manager’s tweet. But, since Oliveira has made clear that he would not be ready to fight Islam in October, who Makhachev’s next opponent would be or even if he would fight in Abu Dhabi is up in the air. Who do you think should be Makhachev’s next opponent? Tell us in the comments below.

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