Javier Mendez, coach to UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev, isn’t shutting the door on Justin Gaethje being next in line for a title shot. Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) made his case loud and clear after outpointing Rafael Fiziev in a unanimous decision win in the co-main event of UFC 313 this past Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Fresh off that victory, “The Highlight” called for a crack at Makhachev’s belt—and Mendez is on board.
With Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) already having beaten the two guys ranked above Gaethje—Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan—the coach sees no reason why the former interim champ shouldn’t get his shot. UFC CEO Dana White also hinted he’s open to the matchup, which only fuels the fire for Mendez.
“Fantastic. Then it’s Justin Gaethje. We’ll focus on Justin Gaethje,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “That would be, ideally for us, the perfect matchup based on where his standing is and what he’s done. He’s a big, known guy and Islam hasn’t fought him. So he’s perfect.”
The Topuria Wild Card
There’s another name floating around as a potential challenger: Ilia Topuria, who recently ditched his featherweight title to chase gold at 155 pounds. Makhachev has been vocal about not wanting to face another featherweight like Topuria, but Mendez isn’t sweating the details. For him, it’s all about whatever the UFC brass decides to throw their way.
“It’s not important to me,” Mendez said on who Makhachev fights next. “Let’s focus on whoever the UFC decides because I’m not even going to talk about something that’s not even there. What is there, is what Dana (White) talked about. So me, I’d rather focus on what Dana said.”
Gaethje’s fan-friendly chaos could make for a blockbuster clash with Makhachev’s surgical precision, and Mendez clearly sees the appeal. Whether it’s “The Highlight” or Topuria stepping into the cage, one thing’s for sure: Makhachev’s team is ready to roll with whatever Dana White cooks up. For now, Gaethje’s momentum might just tip the scales in his favor—stay tuned.
