Javier Mendes, one of the coaches of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, voiced his preferences in choosing the next opponent for his mentee.
"Arman Tsarukyan is a very dangerous fighter for us. He fights well, he's young, and their first fight with Makhachev was very close. Arman deserves his place, he will get his chance.
But if Islam gets a fight with Leon Edwards, that would be ideal because it's a legacy fight. Let's be honest, what's more important to his legacy: defending the lightweight title or fighting for a second welterweight belt? Obviously the second option," Mendes said in an interview with Submission Radio.
Last weekend at UFC 302, Makhachev defeated Dustin Puryear by fifth-round choke.