Coach ’too scared’ to watch Alexander Volkanovski fight: ”Don’t have much of a chance”

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Photo via Twitter (UFC)

Coach Eugene Bareman was not able to corner Alexander Volkanovski in the short notice rematch against Islam Makhachev 2 at UFC 294. The respected coach recently revealed that he advised Volkanovski to not take the fight.

“From a competitive standpoint, I told him, ‘Forget it,’” Bareman said in an interview with She Loves The Gloves. “Yes, of course, we as a team will do our best to use this time and get you as prepared as one can be on a week’s notice. Realistically, we don’t have much of a chance. But if the UFC offers you, say, this, this, or this – sure, think about it and maybe we can figure something out.”

Volkanovski was eventually knocked out in the first round after Makhachev landed a devastating headkick.

“I had a feeling it could be something like this,” Bareman said. “I obviously didn’t want to be right, but unfortunately, I was.”

”I didn’t even watch the fight – I was too scared of what could happen.”

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Alexander Volkanovski returns to action

On Saturday February 17, Alexander Volkanovski will return to action to take on undefeatesd rising star Ilia Topuria with the featherweight title on the line.

”Volk” won the featherweight strap back in December 2019 after defeating Max Holloway. He has defended the title five times since.

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