Javier Mendez, the longtime head coach who guides lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, recently spoke on his YouTube program jibber with jaber about a potential showdown that would bring a new chapter to the long running rivalry between the Russian champion and Australian challenger Alexander Volkanovski. In his candid style, Mendes laid out how both camps might approach a hypothetical rematch if the UFC were to put the fight on. He stressed that fear would not factor into the equation and that a rematch could become a meaningful event for fans if the promotion aligned the interests of both sides. The coach suggested that Volkanovski’s team would likely be open to a rematch given the competitive history, and he expressed hope that the UFC would set up a big spectacle that would benefit everyone involved. The core idea is simple: when two top fighters meet again, it is not just a contest of skill but a test of momentum and narrative that can elevate the sport for a wide audience. These remarks, conveyed on the channel, were designed to reassure fans that both sides would participate with clear intent and professional discipline, regardless of past outcomes. The discussion has been received as a sign that the sport’s calendar could bend toward a high profile trilogy if the promotion decides to pursue it, with fan interest and championship implications driving the conversation forward.
On February 12, Makhachev defeated Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five rounds at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia. The fight served as a title defense for the reigning lightweight champion and marked a significant milestone in his professional journey, adding a notable victory to an already impressive ledger that includes the earlier win over Charles Oliveira. Analysts highlighted Makhachev’s ability to control the tempo of the bout, neutralize Volkanovski’s movement, and execute a game plan that leveraged precision grappling and cage management. The result reinforced the perception that Makhachev is a dominant force at 155 pounds, capable of sustaining top form across a demanding playoff-style schedule. For Volkanovski, the loss was a setback in a career characterized by adaptability and resilience, yet it did not erase the broader arc of his legacy, which features multiple weight classes and a history of title challenges that have kept him at the forefront of the sport. The match at Perth is frequently cited as a turning point in ongoing discussions about the best way forward for both fighters, including potential rematches, title implications, and the evolving dynamics of the lightweight division.
Historically, Mendez noted that Makhachev faced additional pressures following the transition of key figures from the sport, including the retirement of former mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. This context has shaped perspectives around the team’s strategy and the fighter’s readiness to compete at the highest level. The coaching staff, including Mendez, has consistently emphasized commitment to a rigorous training regime, meticulous fight preparation, and the ability to adapt to elite opponents. As conversations about a rematch circulate, observers are watching closely to see how contractual negotiations, venue choices, and promotional timing might align to create a compelling rematch scenario that could resonate with audiences across major markets. The topic remains a focal point for fans who crave clarity on the next steps in the lightweight division and for analysts who seek to understand how immediate rematches influence title dynamics and overall marketability in a sport where every bout is a potential catalyst for larger, cross-market appeal.