Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach, Javier Mendez, recently weighed in on the possibility of Ilia Topuria making a move up to the lightweight division. Known for his role in coaching some of the most dominant fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA), including Khabib and Islam, Mendez has a keen eye for talent and potential matchups within the UFC. His thoughts on Topuria’s future, especially the prospect of him transitioning to lightweight, have sparked a great deal of interest and speculation.
Ilia Topuria, an undefeated and highly skilled featherweight fighter, has quickly become one of the brightest prospects in the UFC. With an impressive record and a finishing rate that’s garnered him attention across the MMA world, Topuria has established himself as a dangerous fighter with both knockout power and submission skills. He’s been able to impose his will on opponents with his aggressive fighting style and dominant performances, capturing the attention of fans and experts alike.
Topuria’s rise through the UFC ranks has been swift, and many are already considering him to be a future champion. However, as with many rising stars, the question has been raised about whether Topuria will move up in weight to challenge the elite fighters in the lightweight division—a division currently dominated by Makhachev, who trains under the tutelage of Khabib and Mendez.
Javier Mendez, who is renowned for his training acumen and his ability to develop championship-level fighters, shared his thoughts on Topuria’s potential move to lightweight. Mendez acknowledged Topuria’s impressive skills but also pointed out the challenges and considerations involved in moving up a weight class.
“I think Topuria is an exceptional talent,” Mendez stated in a recent interview. “He’s shown great promise in the featherweight division, but moving up to lightweight is no small feat. The competition in that division is fierce, and the size difference will be a factor. But if Topuria continues to develop and improve, he could be a force at lightweight. It’s just a matter of how he adapts to the bigger fighters.”
Mendez, who has coached Makhachev to the top of the lightweight division, knows firsthand the challenges that come with competing in the most competitive weight class in MMA. He noted that while Topuria has the potential to succeed at lightweight, he would need to refine his approach and adjust to the different skill sets that fighters in the division possess.
The lightweight division in the UFC is one of the most stacked divisions in MMA, with elite fighters like Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje at the top. Makhachev, who trains under Mendez and has a dominant style rooted in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s philosophy of control and pressure, has been the reigning champion since he defeated Charles Oliveira in 2022. His wrestling, striking, and overall grappling game have set him apart as one of the top fighters in the world.
For Topuria to succeed in the lightweight division, he would need to face these formidable names, each of whom brings a unique skill set to the table. While Topuria is known for his well-rounded fighting style, he would need to ensure his power and speed would translate effectively to the larger and more physically imposing lightweight fighters.
Mendez emphasized that one of the key aspects Topuria would need to focus on would be his ability to adjust to the size and strength of his potential opponents in the lightweight division. “In lightweight, the fighters are bigger, and they have more power. Ilia has to be ready for that challenge. But I believe he has the mentality to handle it, and that’s a big part of the battle,” Mendez explained.
Ilia Topuria’s potential move to lightweight has been a topic of debate among fans and analysts. Some believe that he could be a future champion in the division, especially given his undefeated record and versatility in the cage. Others, however, caution that the jump to a more competitive and physically demanding weight class could prove difficult, especially if Topuria struggles to adapt to the power and endurance required at the higher weight.
Topuria has expressed interest in competing against the best, and a future move to lightweight could set the stage for some intriguing matchups with the division’s elite fighters. If he can continue to build upon his already impressive skill set and develop the physical attributes needed to handle the added weight, Topuria could become a serious contender at lightweight.
While the talk of Topuria moving up to lightweight is still in the speculative phase, it’s clear that he has a promising future in the UFC, regardless of the weight class he competes in. His rapid rise through the featherweight division, combined with his well-rounded skill set, has many in the MMA community believing that he will be a title contender in the near future.
For now, Topuria’s immediate focus remains on continuing his journey in the featherweight division. However, as he continues to improve and develop, a move to lightweight could soon become a reality. If he takes that step, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the higher stakes of the lightweight division and whether he can match the dominance of fighters like Islam Makhachev, who remains one of the sport’s most formidable forces.
Javier Mendez’s insights into Ilia Topuria’s potential move to the lightweight division highlight the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for the rising star. While Topuria has shown immense promise in the featherweight division, the transition to lightweight would require careful consideration of strategy, size, and skill. With the guidance of experts like Mendez, Topuria may just be able to carve out his own legacy in one of MMA’s most competitive divisions. For now, the future remains bright for Topuria, and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next in his career.
