Islam Makhachev’s trainer, Javier Mendes, told how his ward’s second fight against Alexander Volkanovski will differ from the first fight, in the end of which the Russian looked tired and was knocked down.
“On the day of the fight Volkanovski was two pounds heavier than Islam, that’s the official data,” the American specialist said in an interview with the channel “Ushataika”. “We had 24 hours to recover from the scrimmage, not 36 like we usually do. This time we’ll have 36 hours and I guarantee that Islam will be 3-4 pounds heavier than Volkanovski, and that’s a big deal”
“I see us outstriking him in the standup, I see us imposing our game on him, which we’re strong in. I see how Volkanovski will pick up the pace, how he’ll go forward with his punches without fear of translation. And I see him failing. He’s going to try all five rounds, but he’s going to fail.”
“I’m not visualizing this fight as a short fight – I’m preparing for all five rounds, and I believe we will dominate each round, just like last time, but this time more confidently. I’m convinced that Islam won’t get tired – he’ll have those extra 12 hours to recover”
Recall that the lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski will be the main event of UFC 294, which will take place on October 21 in Abu Dhabi.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/32905-trener-makhacheva-islam-budet-tyazhelee-volkanovski-i-bolshe-ne-ustanet.html?rand=19907
