Coach Javier Mendez doesn't approve of Islam Makhachev getting No.2 P4P ranking in just one fight - "It was done too quickly"

Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez believes the UFC lightweight champion climbed the pound-for-pound ladder too quickly. While he was previously unranked on the P4P ladder, Makhachev entered at the third spot after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.

The Dagestani climbed further up to the No.2 spot after Israel Adesanya's title loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 281. Mendez disapproves of Islam Makhachev getting the No.2 P4P spot based on a single fight.

While he is personally confident of his pupil being the best P4P fighter in the world, Mendez believes Makhachev got the official ranking too quickly. The AKA head coach said in a Spanish interview with MMA Junkie:

“Look, you know this just as much as I do, Islam went to No. 2 spot pound-for-pound in the UFC in just one fight? How?. I know he’s good, and I believe he’s No. 1. I do believe that. But to give him that spot of No. 2 pound-for-pound in just one fight, no. I know in my heart with time he’ll be No. 1. Simple as that. He’s going to be No. 1. But they gave him this just because of one fight."

Watch Mendez's interview with MMA Junkie below:

Mendez also stated that Islam Makhachev needs to defeat both P4P king Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight contender Beneil Dariush to establish himself as the No.1 P4P fighter in the world.

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Beneil Dariush advises Alexander Volkanovski ahead of Islam Makhachev fight

Islam Makhachev is scheduled to defend his lightweight strap against UFC P4P king and featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth in February 2023. Next in line for the lightweight title is Beneil Dariush, who is currently sidelined in favor of the champ vs. champ clash.

Dariush, who was once slated to meet Makhachev in a title eliminator, recently shared a few tips for Volkanovski for the upcoming UFC 284 clash. 'Benny' stated that 'The Great' must focus on getting his head positions right in the clinch against Makhachev, who essentially thrives in that position. Dariush told Morning Kombat's Luke Thomas:

“I would say, if you’re gonna prepare for this, be ready to Thai clinch, be ready to defend the body lock clinches, know your head positions, know where your footwork needs to be. People think when you lock your hands, you have to be stronger, but actually, head position is really important. I’d say to him, make sure you know where your head needs to be when you clinch, and always have your hips under you so he doesn’t throw you with his judo throws.”

Watch the full interview below: