Big things could lie ahead for Islam Makhachev and his teammates.
Saturday’s UFC 322 pay-per-view will mark the most recent huge project for a member of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team, as his protégé shoots for two-division glory in MMA’s leading promotion.
After vacating his lightweight crown to pursue history up at welterweight, Makhachev will challenge champion Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
The event in Recent York City looks more likely to host the last major fight of the yr for the Dagestani stable, but big things will probably be coming in 2026 if coach Javier Mendez’s predictions come true…
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Who will win the UFC 322 predominant event?
Javier Mendez reveals his 2026 predictions for Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and more
While his and Khabib’s focus is currently on Makhachev’s try to achieve two-division superiority in Recent York City, Mendez did recently stay up for the team’s ambitions for the upcoming recent yr.
Talking to a former fighter at his American Kickboxing Academy, Josh Thomson, on the Weighing In podcast, the renowned coach made several predictions involving Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
“We have now rather a lot occurring,” Mendez said.
“In 2026, I see Islam Makhachev becoming definitely pound-for-pound primary in everybody’s eyes, because he would have won two divisions and really impressively against a brilliant talented Jack Della Maddalena.
“I see Umar getting one other shot against Merab (Dvalishvili) a while next yr,” he continued. “We’ll be higher prepared and let’s see what happens there…I feel we will win that fight.
“Usman will proceed to defend his title. He’s going to defend it already (against Alfie Davis) on February 14, I imagine. … He’s not ok (to beat Usman).
“I see Islam defending his title and, crossing my fingers, (fighting on the) White House.”
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Islam Makhachev knows who he wants next after UFC 322
In the case of his potential welterweight reign, Makhachev has his sights set on a legend in 2026.
Ahead of his showdown with Della Maddalena at UFC 322, the previous lightweight king looked ahead to what could follow a victory in Recent York City and landed on Kamaru Usman for his first defense.
“After Jack, I feel Kamaru,” Makhachev recently told Adin Ross.
“Kamaru Usman — he has probably the most title defenses at welterweight (behind Georges St-Pierre).
“Now he’s in a superb position,” he added.