Coach: Alexander Volkanovski can't show Islam Makhachev respect in octagon at UFC 294

ABU DHABI – Alexander Volkanovski’s coach doesn’t expect major technical changes ahead of the UFC 294 rematch against Islam Makhachev, but he does see a big difference in attitude.

Frank Hickman, who’s been working with Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC), says the UFC featherweight champion will leave all the respect he has for Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) behind once he sets foot in the octagon in the main event of UFC 294, which goes down this Saturday at Etihad Arena.

“This time, there’s a respect there, but there’s also not a respect there,” Hickman told MMA Junkie. “I mean that in the most respectful way. You can’t go into a fight like this and respect somebody like that. You have to shake hands, of course, it’s all love after the fight. But during that time, you have to be greedy, you have to be selfish and that’s what Alex plans to do.”

Volkanovski accepted the rematch against Makhachev on just 10 days’ notice, as he replaced an injured Charles Oliveira.

Hickman knows these aren’t ideal circumstances to be fighting a great champion like Makhachev, but he believes these are the types of situations where Volkanovski shines.

“Like Alex said, you get one chance to be great,” Hickman said. “This could very well be the biggest rival in combat sports right now. This is something that’s really exciting. Both guys are at the pinnacle of their career, at the top of their weight divisions, respectfully. They’ve been separating themselves from that. It’s one thing to be at the top of the division, but to separate themselves and do what they’ve been doing and the way they carry themselves, it’s incredible. It’s great for the sport.

“This is something we’re really looking forward to because, again, we get to right the wrongs and prove the doubters again. Like I said before, just like last time the chips are stacked against us and that’s where Volk does some of his best work. We’re all excited.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.