Islam Makhachev’s coach expects Alexander Volkanovski to take more chances in UFC 294 rematch

Javier Mendez believes that Alexander Volkanovski will approach his rematch against Islam Makhachev with less caution.

Due to a cut, lightweight champion Makhachev will defend his title against featherweight champion Volkanovski on October 21 in Abu Dhabi, filling in for Charles Oliveira who was forced out of the bout. Volkanovski had a competitive fight against Makhachev in February, showcasing strong grappling defense. Mendez expects Volkanovski to be more aggressive this time around and take more chances in their upcoming encounter.

During an interview with Submission Radio, Mendez stated, “He’s not going to be worried about the takedowns, because he’s obviously survived the ground last time, and he also did his best work on the ground, not in the standup. So he’s not going to be afraid of anything. And that’s the one thing I feel he’s going to do, is he’s going to come, and he’s going to come throwing.”

Mendez admitted that he wasn’t initially excited about Makhachev’s rematch with Oliveira but believes that a rematch between Makhachev and Volkanovski is a much more compelling and historic matchup.

Mendez has always wanted the Volkanovski rematch to silence doubters who claim that Makhachev lost their previous fight. He stated, “I felt that there was unfinished business… Islam deserves, in my opinion, to be pound-for-pound No. 1. And this will justify that.”

For more information about the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie.