Common mistakes with Islam Makhachev’s 2026 lightweight title defense
Javier Mendez expresses concern over Islam Makhachev sparring with heavyweights in Dagestan to protect his longevity. This training tension occurs as the champion prepares for a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan while managing a split coaching structure between AKA and Russia.
Makhachev’s training in Dagestan provides muscle growth, but he continues to spar with heavyweights, a choice Javier Mendez actively dislikes.
Makhachev’s training in Dagestan provides muscle growth, but he continues to spar with heavyweights, a choice Javier Mendez actively dislikes. Mendez expressed concern when Islam sparred with high level heavyweights in the gym, telling him he should not do it, because a single shot from those heavyweights could change everything for the fighter. Islam dismissed these concerns, telling the coach that the training is fine. Mendez maintains that his pupil should avoid these sessions to protect his longevity. This training method contradicts the caution Mendez applies to other aspects of the camp. Mendez previously told reporters that he does not like seeing his pupil go with heavies in the gym. He believes such sessions are unnecessary and risky for a fighter who has spent years cutting weight for the 155 pound division. The champion insists the training is acceptable, but the disagreement remains a notable tension in the training camp. This practice occurs while the team works to balance muscle growth with the durability required to dominate the lightweight division. The coach in Russia handles the specific task of helping Islam maintain his weight and gain extra muscle without losing durability, a process that differs from the work done in California.
The training split provides structure, but the divide between AKA and Dagestan creates a flawed environment for the lightweight title defense.
The training split provides structure, but the divide between AKA and Dagestan creates a flawed environment for the lightweight title defense. Mendez works at AKA, but the coach in Russia structures training to emphasize muscle growth and weight maintenance. This separation happened during the preparations for the recent lightweight title fight at UFC 311. Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from that UFC 311 bout against Makhachev because of a back injury. Tsarukyan withdrew from the bout moments before the weigh-ins for the event. Dana White received a phone call from Tsarukyan at 1am local time in California, which led to him being out of the fight. You likely know that Tsarukyan is a dangerous opponent who recently defeated Beneil Dariush at UFC Austin last December. Tsarukyan wants a rematch against the champion and is focusing on his recovery to earn another title shot. Dana White stated that Tsarukyan must now work his way back up to a title fight. Mendez feels bad for Tsarukyan because the fighter earned the right to fight for the title but suffered an injury. I find the coaching split to be a significant flaw in the current preparation. Tsarukyan is riding a three fight winning streak and has grown significantly since his 2019 loss to Makhachev, where the Russian won via unanimous decision. The replacement fighter, Renato Moicano, was already scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush before the change.
Makhachev’s ability to win in previous weight classes helps his case, but his reliance on featherweights draws criticism.
Makhachev’s ability to win in previous weight classes helps his case, but his reliance on featherweights draws criticism. He aims to break the record for most lightweight title defenses in UFC history. He currently ties four other fighters with three defenses each.
| Fighter | Lightweight Defenses |
|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | 3 |
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | 3 |
| Frankie Edgar | 3 |
| Benson Henderson | 3 |
| BJ Penn | 3 |
His previous defenses involved fighting former or current featherweights like Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira. He now prepares to face a true lightweight in a rematch situation. The 33 year old fighter has remained unbeaten since 2015 and holds a 16 fight winning streak. Charles Oliveira noted that Makhachev struggled with the 155 pound weight cut in the past. This struggle led to his previous move to the 170 pound division after he defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. He now remains at lightweight to chase the title defense record. The division includes contenders like Renato Moicano, who had his first eight UFC fights at featherweight. Makhachev submitted Moicano in the first round after the fight change at UFC 311. This victory follows Makhachev’s recent 16 fight winning streak. Some critics have called him a weight bully for fighting in lower weight classes. Will the training split in Dagestan ultimately affect his performance against a specialist?
