Javier Mendez says Makhachev vs. Topuria depends entirely on UFC decision

AKA head coach Javier Mendez has weighed in on the possibility of a fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, making clear that the matchup is entirely in the hands of UFC management rather than the fighters themselves.

Mendez noted that both men have publicly stated their willingness to share the octagon, and he believes the bout would stand as the most significant fight of the year if the promotion chooses to book it. His comments reflect a situation where fighter desire exists on both sides, but the decision belongs to the UFC.

Makhachev, 34, currently holds champion status and carries a record of 28-1-0. The Russian southpaw competes out of Eagles MMA and ranks at the top of the pound-for-pound list. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport.

Topuria, known as El Matador, is ranked number one pound-for-pound and holds a 17-1-0 record. The 29-year-old Spaniard competes at lightweight and is ranked second in the division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, he generates significant offense, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute out of the orthodox stance while representing Climent Club.

Why it matters

• A cross-divisional super-fight between two champions would carry enormous stakes for both the lightweight and welterweight landscapes.
• Topuria is the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world, while Makhachev sits atop his own division as champion, meaning title implications would need to be negotiated carefully.
• The stylistic contrast between Makhachev's elite grappling and Topuria's high-volume striking output sets up a compelling matchup on paper.