Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski will rematch 'at some point,' say coach Javier Mendez

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COVER.METALNATION.ORG Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski will run it back, says Javier Mendez. Makhachev retained his lightweight title at UFC 284 by unanimous decision. Volkanovski was Makhachev's toughest test yet, his coach acknowledged immediately after the bout, despite the unanimous decision win.

COVER.METALNATION.ORG According to Mendez, it was definitely challenging. Khabib [Nurmagomedov] told me Alex would be a challenge. According to him, Alex was going to be the toughest challenge for Islam. He felt that way.

COVER.METALNATION.ORG In training, Islam looked fantastic, so I wasn't sure. Khabib felt the fight would be tougher than I expected. Khabib was right. The fight was tough. In the featherweight division, we’ve beaten a guy who is the greatest of all-time, and he’s gonna be one of the greatests of all-time, no doubt."

COVER.METALNATION.ORG As a result of the loss, Volkanovski demanded a rematch, but the likelihood of an immediate rematch is low. In the co-main event of UFC 284, Yair Rodriguez won an interim featherweight title, and it is likely the featherweight champion will look to unify titles with him. Eventually, Mendez says, a rematch will happen.

COVER.METALNATION.ORG There's no reason they wouldn't do a rematch," Mendez said. "I think the UFC wants a rematch." Definitely. It would be a hit with fans. It would be fine with Islam too. Alex is, too.

COVER.METALNATION.ORG Because Alexander the Great is his name, and he lives up to it. This is why he behaves so gentlemanly. Competitor. That's what you should feel when you win.

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