It’s no secret that loyalty is the cornerstone of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s band of brothers, where dedication to teammates comes before fame or fortune. This principle extends beyond the former 155lbs juggernaut himself to the entire Dagestani camp, fostering an unwavering brotherhood. Javier Mendez, the founder of American Kickboxing Academy and Khabib’s head coach following the passing of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, recently shed light on the significance of loyalty within the team.

According to Mendez, one of the core rules at AKA is that no teammate will fight another—except in the case of a title bout. Speaking on the WOLFpak podcast with former 2-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, Mendez recalled an incident involving UFC vet and 155fer Josh Thomson years ago, highlighting how this code of loyalty has remained a defining aspect of the gym’s culture.

“You know it’s funny that we had this conversation long, long ago. Josh Thomson, you know Josh Thomson, you know we call him the punk. We call him the punk for a reason. He calls me and Hey Javier, you know that rule you made that no teammate can find any other teammate unless for a title fight, and I go yeah…well, they are offering Khabib a fight with me. And I said what.”

Amidst the sudden surprise, the AKA head honcho then decided to call Khabib for clarification. “So I called up Khabib. And I am like Khabib! I was told that you were asked to fight Josh Thomson, and he said yes, coach, but no. I’m not fighting Josh Thomson. Never do that, coach. Loyalty number 1.”

At that moment, all of Coach Javier’s concerns disappeared. He realized that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s values and the fabled ‘Father’s Plan’ were deeply ingrained in Khabib and his team. “I didn’t have to say anything,” Mendez reflected. “It’s instilled in Khabib and his team through his great father.” For the unversed, Thomson spent his entire professional career under the tutelage of Mendez and also clinched the Strikeforce 155lbs title during his time at AKA.

On the same note, Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez were more than just training partners at AKA—they were brothers in arms, molded by the same grind. When Cormier made his way to the UFC fresh off his 2011 Heavyweight Strikeforce Grand Prix victory, he was a sure-shot contender to destroy the heavyweight ranks and take the strap. But when the question of a potential fight with Velasquez lingered in the air, there was never a choice to be made. “I don’t want to fight Cain Velasquez,” Cormier said way back in 2012. “He’s helped me so much to become a mixed martial artist. When I started, the dude opened himself up to me and showed me so much. He didn’t have to do that for me.”

“As I’ve said time and time again, if Cain is champion, in my heart of hearts, I know I don’t want to fight that guy. Then I will go fight Jon Jones. I will fight Jon Jones if I have to.” True to his word, when the time came, Cormier dropped to 205lbs, forging his own path rather than standing across the Octagon from the man he considered family.

A similar scenario is unfolding with Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad. The champion duo share a deep bond, forged through training and strengthened by their shared faith and mutual respect. As the Dagestani edges closer to realizing his double champ aspirations, talks of a potential super fight have emerged. But for Islam, the answer is clear—he has no interest in fighting someone he calls a brother. Like Cormier before him, Makhachev values loyalty over legacy, proving once again that in some corners of the fight game, brotherhood is worth more than gold.

Javier Mendez and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching legacy

After the passing of his father and first coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov dedicated himself to carrying on his father’s legacy. He joined forces with Javier Mendez, guiding and mentoring his “brothers” in the fight game. The duo quickly found thumping success! Not only did they help Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov capture both the UFC and Bellator lightweight titles respectively, but they also played a crucial role in developing future stars across major promotions like the UFC, ONE Championship, and Bellator and PFL.

Mendez vividly recalls the moment that changed the course of his career. It all began when former Strikeforce champion King Mo asked him if a “Muslim brother” could come train at AKA. That simple request opened the door to a bond that would transcend fighting—one that made the Dagestani fighters more than just athletes under his wing; they became family. Reflecting on this journey during Umar Nurmagomedov’s camp for Merab Dvalishvili for his UFC 311 outing, Mendez paid tribute to Abdulmanap and the dynasty he built.

He wrote, “Who would have guessed that in 2012 when my fighter @kingmofh asked me if one of his Muslim Brothers can come and train with us I said to him for you Mo you can bring whoever you want they will be accepted. 12 years later here we are with @khabib_nurmagomedov and his cousin @umar_nurmagomedov and behind us is the Younger Cousin @usman_nurmagomedov. Combined they have a 65-0 MMA record never in the history of MMA have we had such a dominating family with this kind of record Thank you @kingmofh for introducing me to not just great fighters but a Family❤️❤️#fathersplanlegacy”

The legacy of Mendez and Khabib is far from over. As they continue shaping the future of MMA, their influence stretches beyond the Octagon, inspiring a new generation of fighters and fans alike. With elite athletes like Islam Makhachev, Belal Muhammad, Umar, and Usman Nurmagomedov, and a steady wave of rising contenders, the 2022 Coaches of the Year seem destined for even greater milestones. What are your thoughts on Team Khabib? Let us know in the comments!