Javier Mendez Questions If Ilia Topuria Deserves UFC Lightweight Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev After Moving Up from Featherweight

As Ilia Topuria steps up from the featherweight division to challenge the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, the move has stirred discussions and debates in the MMA community. Topuria’s decision to vacate his featherweight title and eye the 155-pound championship has been met with both anticipation and skepticism, particularly from Makhachev’s corner.

Javier Mendez, the seasoned coach behind Makhachev’s success, shared his reservations about whether Topuria has done enough to earn a direct shot at the lightweight crown. This sentiment comes amid the backdrop of Makhachev’s dominant run in the division, marked by successful defenses against formidable opponents like former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

“In a sport like this, which is not a true sport, it’s entertainment first. So if more eyeballs are going to pay attention to Topuria, then obviously that’s what the UFC’s going to want,” Mendez commented in a recent interview with Submission Radio. His perspective underscores the entertainment-driven nature of matchups in the UFC, where fan interest can sometimes dictate the trajectory of fighters’ careers more than their track records.

The Entertainment Factor in UFC Matchmaking

Mendez’s acknowledgment of the UFC’s entertainment-first approach is telling. It reflects a broader understanding within the sport that marketability can weigh as heavily as merit in determining who gets to fight for a title. This reality is evident in Makhachev’s recent history, having faced multiple challengers from the lower weight class, which adds a layer of complexity to his title reign.

Despite this, the suggestion that Topuria might be “cutting the line” has not gone unnoticed. Mendez’s stance is clear: he would prefer that Makhachev’s next title defense come against a contender who has established themselves within the lightweight ranks rather than another crossover from featherweight.

Topuria’s Credentials and Potential Matchups

While skepticism exists, Topuria’s skill set remains impressive. Mendez himself couldn’t help but praise the challenger’s abilities, particularly his boxing, which he regards as the best in the UFC across all divisions. “I’ve said it on many occasions: I think he has the best boxing in the whole UFC, all the weight divisions. I believe his boxing is the crispest out of everybody. He’s got great wrestling, his mental is strong, he’s undefeated. I favor him – slightly, but I favor him,” Mendez admitted.

This respect for Topuria’s capabilities suggests that a matchup against top-tier lightweights like Dustin Poirier could be in the cards. Such a fight would not only test Topuria’s readiness for the lightweight crown but also satisfy the criteria set by Makhachev’s camp for earning a title shot.

As the UFC navigates these choppy waters, the balance between entertainment value and sporting merit continues to be a central theme. For Topuria, the path to a title shot at lightweight, while controversial, is lined with opportunities to prove his critics wrong. Meanwhile, for Makhachev and his team, every challenge presents another chance to solidify his legacy as one of the greats in the lightweight division.