Javier Mendez dismisses Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria: “He doesn’t need to fight him”

American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez isn’t a fan of the idea of matching up UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev against Ilia Topuria, at least not right now.

Topuria has quickly risen up the featherweight rankings to capture UFC gold at 145 pounds. His popularity has also gotten a nice jolt along the way and he has been laying out some lofty goal, including becoming a two-division champ.

While some wonder how far off Topuria is from facing someone like Makhachev, Mendez is telling fans to pump the brakes.

RELATED: ISLAM MAKHACHEV WILL DECIDE WHERE DUSTIN POIRIER FIGHT GOES AT UFC 302, SAYS COACH JAVIER MENDEZ

Javier Mendez Doesn’t Think Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is the Play

In an interview with MMAJunkie.com‘s Danny Segura, Javier Mendez shared his belief that Ilia Topuria has some work to do before he can compete for double-champion status.

“(Ilia) is a great fighter, and he’s been doing well, but he (Makhachev) doesn’t need to fight him,” Mendez said. “That’s my opinion. I think Tsarukyan is a better choice. That’s what I think. Ilia needs to do more in his weight class. He wants to go up in weight and challenge for a second belt, but we want to do the same. And what happened? The UFC didn’t let us. We wanted to, but they told us to defend. What UFC tells us to do, that’s what we have to do. It doesn’t matter what you say, what we say, what Ilia says. What matters is what the UFC wants.”

Makhachev’s immediate focus is on Dustin Poirier. The two will collide for Islam’s UFC Lightweight Championship in the main event of UFC 302 this Saturday night. The matchup will be held inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Keep it locked on BJPenn.com for live coverage.