Javier Mendez, coach of Islam Makhachev, is buzzing with anticipation for a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski.
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Javier Mendez, coach of Islam Makhachev, is buzzing with anticipation for a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski following the latter’s remarkable performance at UFC 290.
During UFC 284 in February, UFC lightweight champion Makhachev narrowly defeated Volkanovski, handing him his first-ever loss in the octagon after a grueling five-round showdown.
In the recent main event at T-Mobile Arena, featherweight champion Volkanovski made a triumphant return to his weight class, successfully defending his title by securing a third-round TKO victory over Yair Rodriguez.
Read More: UFC 290 results: Volkanovski showcases dominance in TKO finish over Rodriguez
Despite the upcoming elbow procedure that Alexander Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) is scheduled for, he remains confident that he will be fully prepared for Islam Makhachev’s return at UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mendez, expressed profound admiration for Volkanovski’s recent display against Rodriguez, further increasing the excitement surrounding their potential rematch.
“It was one of those fights where Alex proved how great he is by what he did,” Mendez said on his podcast. “He adjusted. He did something he normally doesn’t do. He was again outstruck on the range fighting, so he changed the script to being the wrestler, and he could wrestle, and he proved he could wrestle, also. So he took Yair down and he thoroughly dominated him on the ground.
Islam Makhachev may have another awaited rematch on the horizon, this time against Charles Oliveira. Oliveira, who bounced back from his defeat to Makhachev with a first-round TKO victory over Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 in May, expressed his unavailability for a rematch on October 21. However, Javier Mendez, Makhachev’s coach, asserts that Oliveira doesn’t have the authority to dictate the scheduling of the rematch.
“Oliveira is talking about how he wants to fight in November or December,” Mendez said. “Well, he’s not going to get to decide when he fights for the title. The UFC decides that. I believe that Islam’s scheduled on Oct. 21 because they need him for Abu Dhabi. I believe that’s 100 percent the fight that makes sense for Islam to stay there. Who the opponent is? I don’t know. And it could be Oliveira still. Oliveira could say, ‘Never mind, I’ll fight him in Abu Dhabi.’ I don’t know.”
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