Cain Velasquez Linked to Max Holloway vs. Islam Makhachev at 170 Pounds

Cain Velasquez Linked to Max Holloway vs. Islam Makhachev at 170 Pounds

Javier Mendez, the coach of Islam Makhachev, has given a clear answer on the possibility of a fight between Max Holloway and Islam Makhachev at 170 pounds: if the UFC asks for it, Makhachev will accept.

What happened?

Mendez made his comments after Holloway's win over Conor McGregor at UFC 329, which left many wondering about the possibility of a fight between Holloway and Makhachev at 170 pounds. Mendez praised Holloway for backing away from the injured McGregor instead of trying to capitalize on the situation.

Why it matters for Cain Velasquez

Mendez also mentioned Cain Velasquez as a comparison point in his discussion about big fights and their magnitude. He mentioned that he wanted the McGregor-Makhachev fight because of its potential size and history, comparing it to other big fights he had been involved in, including Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez.

What comes next?

Mendez made it clear that Makhachev is already in camp and in the right condition for his upcoming fight against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. He also praised Holloway for his willingness to fight Makhachev at 170 pounds, saying that the UFC's call would be enough for Makhachev to accept.

Mendez discussed the possible Makhachev paths in an interview with Submission Radio, where he praised Holloway for his willingness to step aside and acknowledge the injury of McGregor. He also mentioned that the McGregor-Makhachev fight would have been a great entertaining bout had it materialized.

In the end, Mendez made it clear that Makhachev will accept the UFC's call, regardless of whether it's to fight Holloway or someone else. The question now is what the UFC will decide to do next.

category: player_focus