Javier Mendez agrees with Arman Tsarukyan’s choice to not battle Islam Makhachev on quick discover.
Tsarukyan defeated former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He was supplied a title shot towards light-weight champion Makhachev on lower than two-months discover at UFC 302 on June 1, however turned down the chance because of the lack of time to arrange.
Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) misplaced a back-and-forth battle to Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) in his UFC debut. Makhachev’s coach Mendez thinks Tsarukyan was proper to say no a fast turnaround.
“From those who I do know with him, they mentioned that, yeah, he’s simply mentioned he wouldn’t be prepared for that sort of battle simply but,” Mendez informed Submission Radio. “You recognize, he might need extra time to arrange. And you already know what? That’s the suitable name from him. It’s like, he’s within the driver’s seat, additionally, so why would he threat his likelihood?
“Why not go correctly ready for the chance that he introduced himself by having a victory over Oliveira? So no, I believe it’s true, and I believe he did the suitable factor by what he must do for what he desires. Had it been anyone else, I don’t know what they might have carried out. I believe somebody like Max Holloway, if he was put in that scenario, he most likely would have been one of many few guys that will have mentioned, ‘I’m in.’”
As an alternative, Makhachev will defend his title towards Dustin Poirier at Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J. If Makhachev will get handed “The Diamond,” Mendez expects Tsarukyan to be subsequent, however wouldn’t be stunned if he wasn’t.
“I believe Arman goes to be greater than probably the man, I’m pondering,” Mendez mentioned. “Who is aware of. But when the whole lot goes in keeping with what they might most likely need, we’re OK with Arman. We’re OK with Max. Regardless of the UFC presents, Islam’s going to take it. I’m positive it’s not his preferable selection.
“If he asks Islam what he desires after this one, he’d need to go for the welterweight title as a result of he desires to repeat what different folks hardly ever do: grow to be a two-(division) champion. In order that’s what he would need – I’m fairly positive about that. However it’s a matter of whether or not the UFC desires to offer him that chance proper now. I believe sooner or later, they are going to.”
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