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.”
