Javier Mendez thinks Islam Makhachev is the best fighter out there, but also he also thinks his student has yet to prove it.
The American Kickboxing Academy coach doesn’t understand how Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) got the No. 2 ranking on the UFC’s official pound-for-pound list after his submission win over Charles Oliveira in the main event of last month’s UFC 280.
Yes, Makhachev is now champion, but he has yet to put to defend the title and there are worthy contenders waiting to fight him. That’s why Mendez believes the UFC rushed in giving their lightweight champion that high of a spot on the pound-for-pound list.