UFC News: Islam Makhachev’s Coach Reveals Double-Champ Plans for UFC Champion

What's the word on Islam Makhachev?

Everybody's wondering when we'll see the UFC Lightweight Champion back in action after a pair of title defenses over former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski last year. 

Makhachev was booked to face Charles Oliveira in October at UFC 294 but settled in knocking out Volkanovski after the Brazilian withdrew from the bout. 

After flying to Abu Dhabi the last time out, coach Javier Mendez thinks the champion will land in 'The Big Apple' for his massive return to the Octagon.

“After Ramadan, I’m hoping the UFC will fight Islam at Madison Square Garden, only because it’s good for his marketability to fight in the U.S.,” Mendez told Casino Alpha (h/t: MMA Fighting). “That’s what I’d like, but right now there’s no fight on the horizon for him just yet. I’m sure soon the UFC will announce a return for him, but just not yet."

If New York City is the plan for team Makhachev, UFC fans will likely have to wait a while to see the champ's next title defense as the promotion usually puts on MSG shows in November of each year. 

The potential nine-month wait seems to be somewhat understandable, considering a lightweight tournament of sorts is going down at UFC 300 on Apr. 13. BMF Champion Justin Gaethje welcomes back Max Holloway to lightweight and another key matchup occurs between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan on the undercard. 

We'll see how everything plays out at 155, but as of right now, Mendez is manifesting two names plus double-champ status for his longtime pupil. 

“Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and then the welterweight title. They would be my three next fights for Islam," Mendez added. "I’d like to see Islam become the welterweight world champion in 2025. I’d love to see that, and I know he would too. If we get two fights this year, who knows, you might see the UFC offer him a title shot sooner.”

Islam Makhachev could have been one of the three names that UFC CEO Dana White offered UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards at UFC 300. It'd explain why the lightweight champion turned it down, because of Ramadan ending days prior.

With two title defenses already in and potentially two more on the way, perhaps a welterweight title shot isn't out of the question for the lightweight wrecking machine.