Makhachev's coach eyes Usman, Topuria after UFC 322

Islam Makhachev's coach is already thinking about what could come after UFC 322.

Makhachev, one of the greatest lightweight champions of this generation, moves up to the welterweight division Saturday to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for a second title. His coach, Javier Mendez, said he would like to see Makhachev square off with either Kamaru Usman or Ilia Topuria should he emerge victorious at Madison Square Garden in New York.

"The one guy I think probably deserves (a title shot) more than anybody based on his title run when he was the champ, Kamaru Usman," Mendez told "Submission Radio" earlier this week. "I think he's the guy. Look at what he just did with (Joaquin) Buckley. He stopped the hype train and did it in impressive fashion. I would think that his (name) has got to be in the hat as a contender for that title."

Ranked No. 5 in the 170-pound division, Usman returned to form earlier this year in a unanimous decision win over Buckley, snapping a three-fight losing streak. The 38-year-old is one of the greatest welterweights of all time, having held the welterweight belt from 2019-22 and successfully defending it five times.

The other opponent that intrigues Mendez is Topuria, the current lightweight and former featherweight champion. A superfight between Makhachev and Topuria was on the UFC's radar earlier this year, but it didn't materialize because Makhachev decided to move up in weight instead. Topuria said in June he would lobby for a welterweight title shot if Makhachev dethroned Della Maddalena.

"If you're asking me what the fans are gonna want to see, I'm gonna have to go Topuria," Mendez said. "If we manage to get the win like we're expecting and wanting to, I would think that - (UFC CEO) Dana (White)'s all about creating the most, biggest buzz, and I think the biggest buzz is Topuria if he goes up in weight. ... Right now, I can see so many different scenarios happening, but those two are at the top of the list, in my opinion."