Javier Mendez doesn't see Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry continuing the Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry.
Welterweight champion Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) makes his first title defense against Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia (Paramount+).
Machado Garry has called his fight against Makhachev Ireland vs. Dagestan 2, referring to Conor McGregor's bad blood with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Things got so personal with McGregor and Nurmagomedov, that Nurmagomedov jumped McGregor's corner immediately after choking him out at UFC 229.
Mendez says you can't compare the two fights.
"There are zero similarities to Conor vs. Khabib," Mendez said in an interview with NewBettingSites.
"Unless Ian starts disrespecting family and religion or country, but I don't see him doing that or Islam doing it either. It's a fight between them, and I feel like if they want to include me and Khabib that's fine. We are fair game, we are trainers and part of the team. They should leave everyone else alone though."
McGregor crossed the line by attacking Nurmagomedov's views as a devout Muslim, and made derogatory comments about his wife. As long as Machado Garry doesn't take that route, Mendez has no issues with any trash talk.
"Between Ian and Ali, it's good to build the drama and make it interesting for the fans," Mendez said. "Garry is doing all the right things and saying all the stuff to make the fight more interesting – without going overboard of course. Regardless of what is being said, they have to get in the cage and fight. I'm fine with trash talk. As long as it has nothing to do with the country, family or religion."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Coach: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry has 'zero similarities to Conor vs. Khabib'
