Islam Makhachev’s coach has hit back at “beatable” Conor McGregor after he claimed he possesses the tools to beat the new UFC champion.
Makhachev was victories in his first title challenge against Charles Oliveira last weekend as he dominated the fight before securing a submission in the second round. The Russian has lost just once since joining the UFC and will look to continue his streak against a series of challengers which will likely include Alexander Volkanovski.
As has become customary after many UFC events, McGregor took to social media to have his say on Makhachev’s display writing on Twitter : “Nice fight, nice performance. I have built all the tools to beat this style now vs before. Experience vs s***. Face breaking shots from clinch and baby brain batter shots from bottom. And the rest of my repertoire yous know. Steel left leg. Cannon back hand. Wrist control.
“The thought of shutting down this system of fighting with my own developed system is quite intriguing to me. Whoever of them against. It’s not personal. It’s a skill evaluation and a fight. Even through generations. The IMAAFs, amateurs. A war of attrition. To the box.”
Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez has issued a response during an interview with Submission Radio, in which he said: “He has the tools to beat anybody, but will he? He’s been mentally incomplete there, he’s never been there. When was the last time he had a complete fight where he fought properly? He’s a huge name so whoever gets to fight him makes a huge payday.
“Obviously, everybody jumping at the bit to get a hold of him because he’s proven to be beatable. He’s not proven to be indestructible. He himself, he can hype up anything so let him hype it up. I don’t really care much for him anyway.”
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AFP via Getty Images)
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McGregor is currently out of action having broken his leg last July and he will not return until next year after suffering setbacks during his recovery. It was expected initially the Irishman would look to come for the 155lb title when he is able to compete, but he has since confirmed his plan to return at 170lb after putting on weight during his rehabilitation.
Irrespective of any planned title charge, Makhachev had suggested before the fight he would not call out McGregor and believes the title shot should go to another contender in the division. He said: “He come back and just tweeted you know, that’s it. He’s always in the Twitter because people almost forget him, you know.
“But I don’t believe he’s going to come back. Every fighter tries to call him out after they win. I’m not going to call him after the fight because I want to fight with real fighters who deserve the title shot. Gamrot, Beneil, other guys.”
