Javier Mendes, one of the coaches of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, revealed why his charge is not going to fight lower division titleholder Elijah Topuria.
"If Islam is destined to fight for a double title, I'd rather let it happen at welterweight. That's what I want. And what Islam wants.
Topuria is a great fighter, but Makhachev doesn't need a fight against him. Arman Tsarukyan is much better as an opponent. That's what I think. And Elijah has other things to do in his division," Mendes told MMA Junkie.
As a reminder, Makhachev will make a title defense against Dustin Porier in the main event of UFC 302 on the night of June 2 in Newark, USA.
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