Javier Mendez believes Islam Makhachev is nearing the end of his career.

Next month, Makhachev looks to make history when he puts his belt on the line in a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. Should Makhachev win, he will become the first lightweight champion in UFC history to successfully defend his title four times. And once you accomplish something like that, there’s really not too much left to do in the sport, which works out because according to his coach, Makhachev doesn’t have much time left in the sport.

“He’s going to probably do what Khabib [Nurmagomedov] did and retire at 35,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “Well, Khabib did it a lot earlier, but I think 35 is the magic number for these guys. They have that in their head, that 35 is the cutoff point. Some will go over, but I think Islam is already set financially, he’s done really well with his money, so I think it will probably be lights out after 35.”

Already 33 years old, that means Makhachev has less than two years remaining in the sport, which likely only translates to a couple of fights. Perhaps because of that, Makhachev has already started planting seeds for a move up to 170 pounds to win a second title — something his friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov never did — but there’s just one problem: Makhachev is friends and occasionally trains with current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

“100 percent, it’s Belal,” Mendez said when asked what would prevent Makhachev from moving up. “They’ll never fight. That’s just the brotherhood. They won’t break that. And I don’t blame them. They’re not fighting for just anything. They do have their loyalty to each other and Belal is a brother. They won’t fight each other.”

While nothing is official yet, Muhammad is expected to defend his title against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov sometime in 2025. Should he succeed, that then takes welterweight off the table for Makhachev, meaning he will likely continue defending his title. And there’s one man who is champing at the bit to get a shot at Makhachev: featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

But while Mendez respects Topuria, the American Kickboxing Academy coach says that’s not a fight that’s really on their radar at the moment.

“I think it’s great that he’s motivated,” Mendez said. “He’s a champion, for sure. He’s proven it. He’s gone up in weight. I also was told his coach said he was 187. Islam, I don’t think has ever been that heavy. Islam, when he starts training camp about two months out, Islam is about 179, 178. ...

“The guy is a great fighter. He’s got the best boxing hands in the business, I feel, most technical. He can do a lot of damage if he goes up in weight, but I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m not interested in that fight whatsoever, at the present time. I’m interested in [Islam] defending against Arman, and then who knows, maybe the welterweight title is available at that particular time.”

UFC 311 takes place on Jan. 18 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.

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TOP STORIES

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Stoppage. Dana White disagreed with stoppage in UFC Tampa main event, but Colby Covington ‘wasn’t too pissed’ with ending.

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Rematch. Michael Johnson wants Justin Gaethje rematch after knockout win at UFC Tampa.

Beef. Michael Chandler trolls Dustin Poirier with past knockout loss; Poirier torches him in response.

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VIDEO STEW

UFC Tampa Post Show

UFC Tampa post-fight interviews.

UFC Tampa highlights.

Israel Adesanya reacts to UFC Tampa.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Belal Muhammad.

Billy Quarantillo reacts to his loss.

Adrian Yañez.

Muhammad Mokaev.

Champion.

Michael Bisping.

Corey Anderson.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tom Nolan (8-1) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (8-4-1); UFC 312, Feb. 9.

Bibiano Fernades (24-6) vs. Kevin Belingon (20-10); ONE 171, Feb. 20.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I think this is simple and should be uncontroversial: Ilia Topuria does not deserve to fight for the lightweight title. Defend your belt a few times and then, maybe we can talk. Islam Makhachev doesn’t deserve to fight for the welterweight title either, but he’s at least closer in that discussion. But still, just stay at your weight class and defend against the many great fighters there. — Meshew

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EXIT POLL

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