Mendez: Volkanovski vs. Makhachev 2 will be 'Even Better' than first fight
Follow Us
After Alexander Volkanovski’s impressive victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, his coach Javier Mendez believes that a rematch with Islam Makhachev is inevitable.
Mendez was impressed with Volkanovski’s ability to adjust his game plan in the fight, as he was getting out-struck on the feet early on. Volkanovski was able to take Rodriguez down and dominate him on the ground, eventually finishing the fight with a right hook.
Mendez believes that the rematch between Volkanovski and Makhachev will be even better than the first fight, which Makhachev won by unanimous decision.
READ MORE: UFC 288 predictions
“When that fight happens, we’ve got our work cut out for us. Both of us do,” Mendez said. “Remember, it’s no cakewalk for them. You’ve got two fighters that can switch many different ways. It isn’t like Islam can’t stand with Volk either. He definitely can. And it isn’t like Volk can’t survive the ground either. He definitely can. He proved that. So we both can change. We’ll see what happens. When the highly anticipated rematch eventually unfolds, which I firmly believe will happen, it will undoubtedly create an extraordinary spectacle.
It’s going to be one of those second fights between champion vs. champion that delivers again. It will deliver again.”
Fans eagerly await the rematch between Volkanovski and Makhachev, which is not yet imminent. Both fighters are widely regarded as elite competitors in their respective weight classes, and their first fight was a thrilling and closely contested affair.
For more UFC news and updates
Read: UFC on ESPN 47 Strickland vs Magomedov Set to Ignite in Las Vegas
Read: UFC 290 Yair Rodriguez vs Alexander Volkanovski
Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Stephen Thompson declines the quick turnaround fight and wants Usman next.
