Islam Makhachev's coach says Alexander Volkanovski 'is not a big threat' to the Russian

I. Makhachev's trainer does not see A. Volkanovski as a big threat (Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage)

After defeating Max Holloway for the third time and achieve the fourth defense of the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), Alexander Volkanovsky opened the doors once and for all to venture into the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and seek a second simultaneous title in Ultimate.

In the opinion of Javier Mendez, coach of the American Kickboxing Academy, however, the Australian would not pose much of a threat to the lightweight division, at least not to his pupil. Islam makhachev, strong candidate to face Charles of the Bronx for the vacant category title.

“I don’t think he (Alexander Volkanovsky) is as big a threat to Islam (Makhachev) as you think because he is a master takedown and Alex wouldn't be able to stop him no matter what he does. And Islam's standup game is also so good that he can exchange with Volkanovski. So unless Alex's ground game improves tremendously, I don't see him as a big threat to Islam”, said the coach during his appearance on the “Submission Radio” podcast.

For Javier Mendez, the biggest threat to the undefeated series of Islam makhachev, which lasts ten fights, is precisely in Charles of the Bronx, former champion of the division, who lost the title after failing to make weight at the controversial weigh-in of the UFC 274in May.

“I see (Charles) Oliveira as a big threat, but I don’t see Alex. He wouldn't be able to stop Islam from taking him to the ground and I don't think he can handle Islam's ground game,” concluded Mendez.