After destroying Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, Max Holloway has shown interest in fighting Islam Makhachev. According to Makhachevโs coach, Javier Mendez, Holloway cannot handle the pressure from the Dagestani. Mendez talked about the potential clash in a recent interview with the Submission Radio.ย
During the conversation, Mendez revealed that, unlike Gaethje, Islam Makhachev will use his wrestling against Holloway. According to the coach, Makhachev would take Holloway to the ground and absolutely dominate the Hawaiian throughout the fight.
Justin Gaethje doesn’t use his wrestling. Islam Makhachev is not gonna go and stand with Max. He’s gonna take him downโฆso, it will be a grueling situation for Max. So, I don’t look at him as a huge threat.
Javier Mendez viaย Submission Radio
Gaethje lost to Holloway at UFC 300 via KO in the very last minute of the fight. The โBlessedโ put on a masterclass and pieced up the โHighlightโ throughout the bout. Many fans questioned Gaethje for not using a wrestling-heavy approach. However, according to the former BMF champ, he has no regrets about his fighting style.ย
The win against Gaethje opened up several opportunities for Holloway, one being the lightweight title shot. However, Islam Makhachev doesnโt think the Hawaiian deserves the chance yet. There is unfinished business for the Hawaiian fighter at featherweight. Moreover, the champion has some other plans on his mind.
Islam Makhachev ready to take on Conor McGregor later this year
Islam Makhachev is currently the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world and has several options to fight. Not surprisingly, one of them is none other than Conor McGregor. During one of his recent interviews, Islam Makhachev talked about fighting the โNotoriousโ later this year.ย
While Makhachev doesnโt think McGregor is much of a challenge, he would still fight the former champion. According to the lightweight king, the current McGregor is nowhere near his prime version.
Of course, I will fight with him. Brother, when I will fight next? October or November? I can fight August or September with McGregorโฆI don’t want to make him feel or look bad, but everybody knows this guy not same.
Islam Makhachev via Pound 4 Poundย
Islam Makhachev is scheduled to defend his UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in the upcoming PPV event โ UFC 302. Given the massive popularity of the fighters, the hype around the fight is massive. If Makhachev manages to hold on to his belt after the clash, several other challengers will line up for the title opportunity. However, the fighter doesnโt mind giving McGregor a shot at the title.
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