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Javier Méndez is well aware of the narrative heading into Khabib Nurmagomedov’s upcoming UFC title defense.
The American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) head coach hears from fans and the media about Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) potentially facing his toughest challenge yet against a man considered by many as the best defensive fighter in the division. , Justin Gaethje. The two will meet in a title unification fight at UFC 254, which will take place on Saturday at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Coach Mendez is aware that Gaethje’s skill set (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) raises questions in the wrestling department for his student, as “The Highlight” has only been defeated twice in his seven-fight career with UFC. The NCAA Division I All-American recently trained alongside UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, but despite Gaethje’s credentials, Mendez says it’s difficult to prepare for the high-pressure fighting style. by Nurmagomedov.
“I know he’s working with the welterweight champion so he has someone good working with him, but it’s different when you’re fighting Khabib,” Mendez said on Monday’s episode of Let’s Talk MMA. “It’s different. Let’s see what happens, but he’s preparing well, he’s preparing with the champion and the champion is really good.”
Mendez admits there is an unknown factor with Gaethje, as he had not previously faced a predominantly wrestling fighter. But while the unknowns may be perceived as dangerous, in this case, Mendez feels he favors Nurmagomedov.
“The thing about Justin is, when has he used wrestling?” Mendez said. “I’ve never seen him. Just to get up, but he hasn’t used wrestling. So let’s see what happens. If we can’t take him down, we have a fight. If we take him down there isn’t going to be a big problem because he doesn’t work on the ground, From what I’ve seen. If you are not working wrestling in your fights, it will be difficult in your first fight given how big the fight is and that he is facing the master of the terrain in Khabib. It is going to be difficult for him. However, if we can’t take him down, it will be difficult for us. “
At the end of the day, Mendez is confident in Nurmagomedov’s ability to bring the fight to the ground. The seasoned trainer believes that “The Eagle” can defeat anyone in MMA, including Gaethje.
“He says it’s hard to take down, so let’s see what happens,” Mendez said. “I don’t think it’s going to be as difficult as he thinks, but it may be difficult to take him down. I don’t think I will, because Khabib is a master at taking the fight to the ground. Look, if you’re an Olympian fighter and he’s into MMA, he’ll beat you. He is the master of this. He knows how to penetrate, how to enter with his blow, he knows it. It’s different, it’s not the same. “
