The reason why defeating Conor McGregor wouldn’t advance Islam Makhachev‘s legacy is being explained by coach Javier Mendez. The lightweight champion, Islam Makachev (25-1 MMA), most recently prevailed over Alexander Volkanvoski (26-3 MMA) at UFC 294 last month.
Daniel Cormier, a UFC analyst, recently asserted that a battle between McGregor (22-6 MMA) and Islam Makhachev would be “the most logical thing in the world.”
During his appearance on the “DC & RC” podcast, Cormier said:
“I think Islam Makhachev should fight Conor McGregor next.”
Coach says Islam Makhachev beating Conor McGregor will do nothing for his legacy
Islam Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, said the Russian wouldn’t be wise to use that example.
Mendez stated the following during an interview with “Red Corner MMA”:
“I see that as a fight that would be interesting for Islam because he gets to do what Khabib (Nurmagomedov) didn’t finish, I guess you could say. He gets to come back and get on the same journey that Khabib did. It’s a great payday for Islam. I think it’s great if Islam wants it.”
“If he doesn’t, then maybe going to the welterweight title is more appealing to him – to create a legacy that he wants, because beating Conor McGregor is not going to create the kind of legacy that Islam wants. Going after the welterweight title, that’s a legacy type moment. With Conor, it’s a money and it’s a hype thing, so I don’t know his thoughts on that. It’s never been brought up.”
“In terms of matchmaking, I don’t know if you can say (it’s a good fight) from a real sport (perspective) – and this is not a real sport. This is entertainment first, because if it was a real sport, then Conor wouldn’t get the amount of opportunities he gets. So from a real sport (perspective), no, he needs to show that he’s worthy. But from an entertainment (aspect), yes, because he’s still the biggest name right now.” (h/t MMAJunkie)
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Daniel Cormier says he wants Islam Makhachev to defend title against Conor McGregor
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