Javier Mendez expects Islam Makhachev to make his bid for Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight gold to come in the last quarter of 2025.
The American Kickboxing Academy coach has been a constant presence in Makhachev’s corner during his lightweight title reign, and he’ll also be on hand when the Dagestani faces 170-pound king Jack Della Maddalena later this year. While Mendez would have preferred an earlier date, he says it’s likely that Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev takes place at one of the promotion’s last few pay-per-views of the year.
“I'm hoping Islam faces Jack in August or September.