The super-fight involving Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev is around the corner as both battle it out for the title of the best pound-for-pound fighter. While the concerns over the hometown favorite overcoming the dominant champion loom large, the featherweight champion remains confident of catching his opponent off-guard with his prolific striking. However, there are numerous ways the fight for lightweight gold can pan out. Similarly, the Russian fighter’s coach, Javier Mendez, believes that the lightweight kingpin needs not to ‘take his hat off’ until the work is done in the Octagon.
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The notable coach appeared on his podcast, where he discussed the upcoming UFC 284 fight card. Indulging in a discussion with coach Len, the duo talked about the readiness and training regime of the Dagestani champion.
In the same conversation, Len pointed out the instance when ‘The Great’ set forth that he would get a picture of the champion’s face on his knee. Therefore, suggesting knocking him out at the moment of his takedown attempt.
Javier Mendez cautions Islam Makhachev of ‘strange things’
Len, in the conversation, mentioned that he laughed at the featherweight champion’s claim. Further, he said, “I’m going, since whenever has Islam ran for a takedown like one of these guys with their hands out like zombie, double leg, open to the knee south.”
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Subsequently, he stated it was not the style of the former sambo champion. Additionally, he expressed skepticism over the Aussie, pulling the same.
But, the founder of the American Kickboxing Academy, wary of the recent instances in UFC history, didn’t rule out the possibility of anything due to the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Thus, the 52-year-old stated, “Strange things that happen, you know. Look what happened when, you know, Jorge Masvidal went charging across the ring and at Ben Askren and knocked him out with a flying knee.”
“When did we ever see that happen? So rare things do happen. They do. So I cannot say that’ll never happen. So I cannot say that’ll never happen,” he added later on.
Mendez advises Makhachev to keep his head down
Following this, he also referred to one of the greatest comebacks in championship history. Recalling the fight involving Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards, everyone thought that the fight was over.
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 23: Islam Makhachev of Russia (black shirt) speaks with Leo Kuntz after their lightweight bout during the UFC 187 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 23, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Despite the dominant display, Mendez had the opposite opinion as he studied the Brit.
Hence, he cautioned, “So you can’t ever take your hat off and look at all that hair. You got to cover that stuff up and do your work. Because you’re not done.”
Islam Makhachev will defend his title for the first time against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 on February 12.
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What do you think of these statements by noted coach Javier Mendez? Do you also believe that Islam Makhachev needs to be vigilant against his opponent? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Vineet Nandwana