Coach Javier Mendez recently remarked that a potential fight between Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev would be anything but an easy task for the reigning UFC lightweight champion.
“The Notorious” has proven to be a relentless nemesis for fighters from Mendez’s American Kickboxing Academy, particularly underscored by his tempestuous rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov, which culminated in the historic UFC 229 showdown in October 2018.
After Nurmagomedov retired from the UFC in October 2020, his trusted ally and training partner Makhachev emerged to inherit his reign over the lightweight division. Concurrently, McGregor has continued to stoke the flames of their rivalry, relentlessly targeting Islam Makhachev with a series of provocative comments on social media.
As one of the most iconic figures in UFC history, the former two-division champion captivates vast audiences with his every move. Mendez envisions a potential showdown between Conor McGregor and Makhachev as an unparalleled spectacle…
Javier Mendez Believes Islam Makhachev vs. Conor McGregor Could Be The Ultimate Potential Showdown
During a recent conversation with Instant Casino, Mendez likened a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Conor McGregor showdown to the grudge match between the Irishman and Nurmagomedov. The 53-year-old MMA coach suggested that this clash could generate a level of hype comparable to UFC 229.
“I love Islam vs. Conor McGregor; who wouldn’t want to be involved in a fight that would have an electrifying atmosphere?” Mendez said. “That is a great fight for us and for the fans. One of the greatest feelings I had in my whole entire life was when Khabib and Conor fought because of the real hatred between both sides.”
However, Mendez emphasized that “The Notorious” brings a wealth of experience and exceptional skills to the Octagon, cautioning that Islam Makhachev should not anticipate a walk in the park.
“But Conor would not be an easy [night’s] work for Islam because you have to respect the man; he’s got a lot of experience, and the only way you make it an easy night is because you train hard — but it will never be an easy night with a guy like Conor. You better train your butt off because he’s a real fighter, and if he’s going (to) come in prepared, it’s never going to be easy.”
After nearly three years away from the Octagon, McGregor was primed for a highly anticipated comeback last month, set to clash with Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout headlining UFC 303.
However, just weeks before the showdown, the excitement was abruptly cut short when McGregor revealed he had sustained a toe injury, forcing him to withdraw from the competition.
The UFC superstar has not fought since July 2021 when he suffered a devastating leg fracture in the first round of his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.