Makhachev's coach named the next opponent after Tsarukyan

Javier Mendes, coach of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, named the fighter who could become his ward's opponent after Arman Tsarukyan.

"Michael Chandler has stated that he wants to get back in the title race, to be the leader of it, and I like what he's doing. And I think he's right - if he wins, it will be a good intrigue. Islam has never faced him before. It's a great fight for Islam, which motivates him and will be interesting for him. Obviously, we need to get past Tsarukyan first, he's our next opponent. After that it will be great to face Chandler, if he can beat Oliveira. That would be fantastic. Islam will be thrilled to fight someone new. He says it all the time - he wants new challenges and I understand him. There's no interest in fighting the same opponents."

Watch this story: Chandler turned to Tsarukian