Islam Makhachev’s New UFC Ranking Has His Coach Furious

Islam Makhachev's New UFC Ranking Has His Coach Furious

Getty Image / GIUSEPPE CACACE

Islam Makhachev shocked the world after he TKO’d Charles Oliviera for the lightweight belt. After terrorizing the entire division, Makhachev finally becomes the champion. Now, the UFC rankings have him listed as the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. However, it sounds like his coach Javier Mendez disagrees with the ranking.

According to MMA Junkie, Javier Mendez claims his fighter received an incredibly high ranking, “too quickly.” Although Islam Makhachev is the current lightweight champion, his coach isn’t liking his UFC ranking. He fully explains his reasoning and makes a rather strong point.

“Look, you know this just as much as I do, Islam Makhachev went to No. 2 spot pound-for-pound in the UFC in just one fight? How? I know he’s good, and I believe he’s No. 1. I do believe that. But to give him that spot of No. 2 pound-for-pound in just one fight, no. I know in my heart with time he’ll be No. 1. Simple as that. He’s going to be No. 1. But they gave him this just because of one fight. No, I don’t like that. It was done too quickly.”

Islam Makhachev hasn’t even defended his new title yet. Winning it is one thing, but defending it is a whole nother story. There is no question that Makhachev is a great fighter and deserves praise. However, having him this high in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings already is a bit wild.

Regardless, he and his team are going to do everything to maintain the No. 2 spot. Islam Makhachev likely has a rather large target on his back now that he’s the champion. Either way, we’ll see if Makhachev can live up to the hype as he takes on Alexander Volkanovski in a champ vs. champ brawl at UFC 284.