Mendez believes the victories are over Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov would strengthen Makhachov’s position as the greatest fighter
Ultimate Fighting Championship history. He emphasized, however, that these opponents are his own preferences rather than necessarily the champion’s.
Javier Mendez wants Islam Makhachev to match Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov but says plans are his own
On Submission Radio, Mendez said title defenses against Prates, Morales and Rakhmonov are on his wish list.
“It’s in my mind, OK? Not Islamic mind; my mind. I’m going, Prates, Morales and if Shavkat comes back, Shavkat and then we’ll see after that if he wants to continue,” Mendez said.
Mendez added that his wish list depends on whether Makhachov wants to continue competing.
“These are three on my wish list, not on the Islamic wish list,” Mendez added. “You know, because at the end of the day, when Islam has one more fight and he’s done, my wish list is going to hell.”
Prates (24-7) and Morales (19-0) compete for the middleweight gold. UFC 336 January 30, 2027 in Toronto, where the winner will face Makhachov (29-1) in a title unification bout. Rahmonov (19-0), meanwhile, has not competed since December 2024 and has been dealing with multiple knee injuries.
