Javier Mendez, founder of the AKA gym and coach of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, spoke in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net about the form of the Russian ahead of his rematch with Alexander Volkanovski:
Islam's form is better than in his last fight. He's better now in terms of health, weight cut and spirit. He's in incredible shape both physically and mentally. I 100% agree that Volkanovski will fight a different Makhachev.
"In Australia, Islam had 24 hours to recover. Now he has 36 hours. Besides, he had a really tough weight cut, and now it's different. Certainly, every weight cut is hard. During the last fight, Volkanovski was two pounds heavier than Makhachev. But Alexander is not a big guy, Islam is a big guy. Makhachev entered the first fight while he wasn't fully recovered. But I assure you, this time it will be different. Makhachev will be tougher," said Mendez.
The fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski will headline UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi.
Recall, Makhachev and Volkanovski first met in February 2023 at UFC 284. In this confrontation, which went all five rounds, Makhachev won by unanimous decision of the judges.
Makhachev has 24 wins and one loss. Volkanovski has 26 wins and two losses.