In an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net, head coach of AKA gym, Javier Mendez, shared his thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov's role in the life of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's team.
“He returned to the sport, but not on a full-time basis. He’s back for certain fights, and that’s something I asked him about. When he told me he was retiring, I said, ‘Hey, could you at least consider coming back for some fights? I need you. It’s very important for you to be in my corner for specific fights.’ He replied, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’ll think about it, coach, but right now I don’t know.’ So at that moment, it was a ‘no.’
However, it took some time, and eventually, Khabib realized he missed it, and he helped me a lot. He’s a leader. You know, I’m his coach, but Nurmagomedov is the team leader; he manages it. I step in a bit to tweak things and add my points, but he knows his stuff so well that he doesn’t need me. He can handle everything on his own—he’s good all around.
Javier Mendez exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
"Khabib has a champion’s spirit, and he shares that with others. These are all the lessons he learned—everything that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and I instilled in him. To this day, I continue to impart some things. About 95% of his training comes from his father and 5% from me. So I see how he integrates a little of my influence into all his activities and coaching. It’s very impressive. I enjoy watching him do it. He’s very good,” Mendez stated.
Throughout his professional MMA career, Khabib Nurmagomedov achieved 29 victories and remained undefeated. His last fight took place on October 24, 2020, where Nurmagomedov secured a win against American Justin Gaethje.