UFC 294: Makhachev v Volkanovski 'will be one of the sport's greatest rematches'

Javier Mendez says he expects the headline bout between his fighter Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi will be one of the greatest rematches in the sport’s history.

Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, defends his title against the featherweight belt-holder on Saturday night for the second time in eight months after Volkanovski stepped in for the injured Charles Oliveira on 11 days’ notice.

Both champions in their respective divisions, the two met in February at UFC 284 in Perth, when Makhachev prevailed by unanimous decision. The victory stretched Makhachev’s win streak to 12, while the defeat marked Volkanovski’s first loss in 23 fights.

However, the bout was hugely competitive, with some considering Volkanovski unfortunate not to get his hand raised.

And Mendez, Makhachev’s long-time coach, anticipates the second instalment of the rivalry will be even better to the first.

“Make no mistake about it, this is going to be one of the greatest champion-versus-champion match-ups,” Mendez told The National. “There’s never one that delivered like the first one did. Now we’re going to have the second one that’s going to deliver more than the first.

“Because fighters make fights. And these two guys colliding, they’re so well rounded, they complement each other. I see this as a great, great fight. I don’t see this as a one-sided affair; this is going to go back and forth again.

“It just depends who stays on their ‘A’ Game. Whether we can get Islam motivated and to stay on track, or they can get Alex motivated and to stay on track. One thing I do know, what I feel in my heart, is that we’re going to win.”

Mendez echoed Makhachev’s sentiment this week that Volkanovski has nothing to lose on