Javier Mendez commented on a potential matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Mendez stated that the UFC controls whether the fight happens, as both fighters have expressed their desire to compete against each other. He believes this would be the most important fight of the year if the promotion decides to organize it. The post emphasizes that the decision rests entirely with the UFC rather than the fighters. Details on timing or specific negotiations are not mentioned.
AKA head coach Javier Mendez has weighed in on the prospect of Islam Makhachev meeting Ilia Topuria, making clear that the power to schedule the bout lies entirely with the UFC rather than either fighter.
Mendez acknowledged that both men have voiced their willingness to face each other, but stressed that the promotion's decision is the only thing standing between desire and a signed contract. He called it the most important fight of the year if the UFC chooses to make it happen.
Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion out of Russia and trains under Mendez at Eagles MMA. The southpaw carries a 28-1 record and currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. He completes takedowns at a rate of 3.2 per 15 minutes and lands strikes with an impressive 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the most efficient fighters in the sport.
Topuria, nicknamed El Matador, is a 29-year-old Spanish-Georgian fighter ranked second in the lightweight division and first pound-for-pound. Fighting out of Climent Club, he holds a 17-1 record and produces the higher offensive volume of the two, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute. His path to a potential super-fight with Makhachev would cross divisional lines, with the two men currently competing in separate weight classes.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is the welterweight champion while Topuria sits at lightweight No. 2, meaning a matchup would require a catchweight or a division move by one fighter
- Both men are in the pound-for-pound top two, lending the potential bout enormous prestige
- Contrasting styles — Makhachev's grappling-heavy approach against Topuria's high-volume striking — create a compelling stylistic clash on paper
- Mendez's comments confirm mutual fighter interest but underline that no formal steps have been taken
