Coach Javier Mendez responds to Alexander Volkanovski’s claims of Islam Makhachev believing he lost the fight

Coach Javier Mendez recently disputed Alexander Volkanovski's assertions that Islam Makhachev thought he had lost the fight.

At UFC 284, Islam Makhachev successfully defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski in a hard-fought five-round battle. Despite the win, the outcome was very controversial, with Volkanovski arguing that he won the fight. At the post-fight press conference, 'The Great' claimed that Makhachev had asked for a rematch, apparently believing he had lost the match:

"I'm hearing that he was saying, [I] could be wrong, that he was going back to his corner saying he wants a rematch because he lost. So, that's funny. I'm gonna jump on that rematch."

Islam Makhachev, however, has refuted the accusations and claimed to have a minimum of three from the five-round championship fight.

In an interview with Submission Radio, Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez also commented on the situation, suggesting there has been a misunderstanding on the part of Volkanovski:

"It has to be a misunderstanding, I don't feel Islam thought that he lost that fight, you know. He definitely knew he was in a war... I mean, this is his toughest test to date, that is for sure. I can say it wasn't but I would be lying. All you got to do is look at these fights, you can see this is his toughest fight, absolutely his toughest fights."

Check out Javier Mendez's response in the video below:

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Islam Makhachev discusses his failed attempt to knock out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284

Islam Makachev fell short of his promise to knock out Alexander Volkanovski as the two fighters went the distance in their recent bout. Despite his pre-fight prediction, Makachev was ultimately declared the winner by a unanimous decision.

At a post-fight press conference at UFC 284, Islam Makhachev discussed why he was so determined to knock out his Australian opponent. Makhachev said:

"You know, I always believe my striking. I have good skills. I have good coaches in my team; coach Javier, coach Muhammad, and all my corners. You know, the best in the world. I know my skills. That's why I try to knock him out, but this guy's so strong. I landed many good punches, many good knees, but he still fighting, you know. I give him big cut, but this guy is real champion."

Check out Islam Makhachev address his failed vow to KO Volkanovski in the video below: