American Kickboxing Academy Coach Javier Mendes Eyes One Rematch in Particular
Renowned American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendes recently discussed potential opponents for his charge, Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, following his upcoming rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 294.
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While Mendes is happy to take on the aforementioned fights, there is one that the AKA head coach would prefer for his Dagestani pupil. In a recent interview with Helen Yee, the San Jose, California,-based trainer elaborated:
“So, in a perfect world, What I would like is what Islam wants because he wants the champ-champ status, so Colby would be the one I would pick, only because of that reason. But, if you're asking me, the one I really want back, I want to go with Alex [Volkanovski] because I know Islam is going to do much better in the rematch... We won the first one, but I want it to be crystal clear. So, I want that one for that reason.”
Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski last met inside the Octagon at UFC 284 in February. While the lightweight champion managed to secure the unanimous decision victory, some believed the Australian had done enough to become a two-division champion.
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