Javier Mendez, founder of the AKA gym and coach of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, spoke in an exclusive interview with jeetbuzz59.com 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, weightꦐ cut and spirit. He's in incredible shape both physically and mentally. ꦗI 100% agree that Volkanovski will fight a different Makhachev.
"In Australia, Islam had 24 hours to recover. Now he has 36 hours. Bಌesides, 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. B💞ut 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🧸 2💞94 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi.
Recall, Makhachev and Volkanovski first met in February 2023 a♚t UFC 284.𒉰 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.