Islam
Makhachev‘s coach, Javier Mendez, has outlined how he’d like to
see his fighter’s title reign unfold.
Mendez believes victories over Carlos
Prates, Michael
Morales and Shavkat
Rakhmonov would strengthen Makhachev’s case as the greatest
fighter in
Ultimate Fighting Championship history. He emphasized, however,
that those opponents are his own preferences rather than
necessarily the champion’s.
Javier Mendez wants Islam Makhachev to face Carlos Prates,
Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov, but says the plans are his
alone
Speaking on Submission Radio, Mendez said title defenses against
Prates, Morales and Rakhmonov are on his wish list.
“This is in my mind, OK? Not Islam’s mind; my mind. I go, Prates,
Morales, and then if Shavkat comes back, Shavkat, and then we’ll
see after that if he wants to continue,” Mendez said.
Mendez added that his wish list depends on Makhachev wanting to
continue competing.
“Those are the three on my wishlist, not Islam’s wishlist,” Mendez
added. “You know, because at the end of the day, if Islam fights
one more fight and he’s done, well, my wishlist goes to hell.”
Prates (24-7) and Morales (19-0) are set to contest interim
welterweight gold at UFC
336 on Jan. 30, 2027, in Toronto, with the winner expected to
face Makhachev (29-1) in a title unification bout. Rakhmonov
(19-0), meanwhile, has not competed since December 2024 and has
dealt with multiple knee injuries.