Khabib Nurmagomedov's Coach Names Bellator 'Superstar' As The Most Talented Fighter He's Ever Trained: 'As Long As Khabib & I Can Keep Him Mentally There...'

Originally posted on MMA News | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated 3/26/24

During his time as a coach at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), Javier Mendez has been in the corner of the some of the greatest fighters we have seen in MMA.

Mendez may no longer be spending his time preparing the likes of Cain Velasquez, Daniel Cormier, and Khabib Nurmagomedov for their fights but he still has a great roster of fighters in the gym.

Islam Makhachev may be the new face of champions that fight out of AKA but Mendez actually believes that another one of his fighters is the most talented competitor that he has worked with.

When asked this big question considering how many elite-level fighters he has worked with, the coach took no time at all in naming the undefeated Bellator lightweight champion.

"Usman Nurmagomedov. That's easy, I train, I know who's the most talented, Usman."

Mendez Has No Doubts Usman Nurmagomedov Will Stay On Top For A Long Time

Usman Nurmagomedov was one of the most high-value acquisitions that the PFL made when purchasing the Bellator brand and roster.

At just 25 years old, the undefeated champion has racked up 17 wins with one no contest and is now set to defend his title against Alexander Shabily in Paris on May 17.

Mendez answered the question of whether he believes the cousin of the former undefeated UFC lightweight champion has started to get the recognition that he deserves.

His coach said that whilst he expects him to leave behind a great career, he might not get that reputation for being one of the best in the world until he fights in the UFC.

"Well unfortunately he'd have to be in the mainstream where everybody knows what's going on and let's say mainstream, we already know it's the UFC so if you're not in the UFC, unfortunately you're not getting the recognition you deserve and he deserves the recognition but unfortunately, until the television viewers and the fan base grows for PFL and Bellator, it's still going to behind until he gets into the UFC at some point in his career but I would imagine that PFL/Bellator would be foolish to want to let him go because he's a superstar.

"I've said it many years already that he was going to be one [to scale the peak of the sport]. He's there now and as long as Khabib and I can keep him mentally there [competing at a high level], he's gonna remain there for another five-ten years until he retires."

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

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