UFC fans are buzzing with anticipation as Islam Makhachev prepares for one of the biggest fights of his career. In an exclusive interview with Thunderpick, Javier Mendez, coach of the former UFC Lightweight champion, shared insight into Makhachev’s future matchups, including potential clashes with Jack Della Maddalena (JDM) and Ilia Topuria. Mendez also weighed in on other intriguing fights for the upcoming White House card, including Conor McGregor vs. Paddy Pimblett.

Ilia Topuria Could Be Makhachev’s Next Big Challenge

Mendez confirmed that if Makhachev defeats JDM, Ilia Topuria is the logical next opponent.

“Ilia Topuria at the White House card is the right move for Islam after JDM. He has great boxing, power, and confidence, and he’s also looking for legacy fights. If we beat JDM, I’m sure this will be a topic of conversation the UFC will want to bring up, whether Topuria moves up a weight or not. He deserves to prove his worthiness,” Mendez said.

Topuria, a rising star in the UFC lightweight division, could move up to welterweight to meet Makhachev in what would be a blockbuster clash. According to Mendez, both he and Khabib Nurmagomedov agree that the matchup makes perfect sense.

“I wouldn’t call it unrealistic because Khabib and I discussed it. Topuria has earned that spot. If the UFC offers that fight at lightweight or welterweight, wherever Islam wants it, we should take that fight. That fight makes sense,” Mendez added.

Fans have long speculated about potential dream matchups for Makhachev, and Topuria presents an exciting stylistic test. His combination of striking, power, and grappling could make him one of Islam’s toughest challenges outside of JDM.

Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena: A Real Test

JDM represents a serious threat to Makhachev, who has dominated the lightweight division but will face a new challenge at welterweight. Mendez emphasized that JDM could pose the toughest fight of Islam’s career.

“JDM’s a legit threat – he will be Islam’s toughest fight. His best chance is in striking. He transitions smoothly between bottom, middle, and head positions. You never know where he’s going to go. Stylistically, Jack is potentially the hardest fight of Islam’s career, but come fight time, Islam might make it look easy.”

To prepare for JDM, Makhachev has put on over 12 pounds of muscle, ensuring that weight will not be an issue in the welterweight bout.

“Islam currently weighs 192-194 pounds, so size won’t be a problem whatsoever. He’s a super-strong lightweight, and JDM is going to feel a very strong welterweight across from him,” Mendez explained.

Islam’s Versatility in the Octagon

Mendez highlighted Islam’s well-rounded skill set, which allows him to dominate fights on the feet or the ground.

“Where the fight takes place will never be a problem because Islam is so well-rounded. He is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the history of the sport. If we can’t take you down, it doesn’t mean we can’t knock you out. Islam can do it all,” Mendez said.

Unlike Khabib, who primarily relied on wrestling and grappling, Islam incorporates multiple striking styles, including boxing and Thai-boxing, into his game plan. This versatility makes him a dynamic and unpredictable fighter.

“We can adjust—stay in boxing range, Thai-boxing range, or grappling range. We’ll decide what we need to do depending on what Jack gives us, and we might have to force him to give us something,” Mendez noted.

Makhachev Could Tie Anderson Silva’s Record

A victory over JDM could also put Makhachev in contention to tie Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive wins, further cementing his place in UFC history.

“If Islam can defend the title twice, he’ll be considered among the pound-for-pound greatest of all time. With a win over JDM, he could tie Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive wins,” Mendez explained.

This achievement would place Makhachev among MMA legends and showcase his dominance across multiple weight classes.

Khabib’s Influence and Islam’s Training

Mendez also reflected on Khabib’s influence on Islam’s career, noting that while Khabib remains a guiding figure, Islam has taken a more diversified approach to his training.

“Khabib trained mostly with me and his father. Islam, from the beginning, had all kinds of different striking coaches. It was by choice, and it shows in his versatility,” Mendez said.

Even Khabib, who retired undefeated, is believed to still be capable of dominating the UFC if he returned. Mendez shared:

“Yes, he still spars with all the guys, still smashes everybody on the ground. He’s gained muscle, and if he wanted to, he could fight light heavyweight. But he’s done—he’s retired.”

Conor McGregor vs Paddy Pimblett: The White House Card Highlight

Javier Mendez also suggested that Conor McGregor would be better matched against Paddy Pimblett at the White House card than against Michael Chandler.

“I’d prefer Conor to face Paddy over Chandler. Paddy is a bigger fight than Chandler. It’s entertainment first. I’d also like to see him fight Islam, though that probably won’t happen,” Mendez said.

The fight between McGregor and Pimblett could generate huge interest and provide a prime showcase for the White House card.

Usman Nurmagomedov: The Rising Star

Mendez weighed in on Usman Nurmagomedov, calling him the best lightweight currently active.

“Usman Nurmagomedov is the best lightweight in the world – he will beat Paul Hughes. He’s in better condition and better prepared than before. He’s a rising star,” Mendez added.

Nurmagomedov represents the next generation of fighters capable of challenging established champions like Islam Makhachev.

Why This White House Card Could Be Historic

Between Makhachev vs JDM, McGregor vs Pimblett, and the potential Islam vs Topuria matchup, the upcoming White House card promises to be a landmark event in UFC history.

“If Topuria moves up or stays lightweight, it’s a fight the UFC will want to promote. Combined with Conor and Paddy, it’s shaping up to be a huge card. Fans will not want to miss it,” Mendez stated.

The combination of championship stakes, rising stars, and established legends creates a perfect storm for MMA fans worldwide.

Islam Makhachev’s Path Forward

Javier Mendez’s insights provide a clear roadmap for Islam Makhachev’s career trajectory:

Defeat Jack Della Maddalena to secure the welterweight title.

Potential clash with Ilia Topuria at the White House card.

Continue versatility-driven fight strategies, dominating both striking and grappling.

Eye historic records, including Anderson Silva’s 16-win streak and pound-for-pound greatness.

Makhachev’s combination of size, skill, and strategy makes him a formidable champion in any weight class. As Mendez put it:

“Islam can do it all. On the feet, on the ground, wherever the fight goes, he can handle it.”

With these fights on the horizon, UFC fans can anticipate high-octane action, historic records, and dream matchups that could define the next era of mixed martial arts.