“Just Show Up at Fight Night”: Coach Javier Mendez Reveals Khabib Refused To Corner Islam Makhachev at UFC 284

News of Khabib Nurmagomedov suddenly retiring from all forms of MMA came as a shocker to fight fans worldwide. The timing of the news, with Islam Makhachev set to face Alexander Volkanovski, was also quite surprising. As the former champion was expected to corner Islam in his first title defense in Australia, Javier Mendez shares his point of view of the entire scenario.

In an episode of Submission Radio, Mendez revealed his interaction with Nurmagomedov and discussed the Dagestani’s importance to his teammates. The AKA coach also commented on Nurmagomedov’s decision and his absence from UFC 284.

Javier Mendez on Khabib Nurmagomedov not traveling to Australia for UFC 284

Since his retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov has been a mainstay in the corner for most of the fighters from Dagestan. It naturally came as a surprise that he wouldn’t be present for Islam Makhachev‘s first title defense. Although Mendez claims he wishes Nurmagomedov would be available, he also backed the former champion in his decision. 

“He informed me about three weeks out that this is what he was gonna do. He wants to spend time with his family and I’m 100 percent with him on what he wants to do.” Stated the 52-year-old.

The longtime coach to Nurmagomedov also disclosed that he asked Nurmagomedov to just show up for the fight.

“I told him that you know ‘just remember you know you can always come back if that’s what you choose to do and just your presence there in the corner with us is it’s a big push for the guys. So you don’t have to train the guys you can just show up at fight night.’ but at the present time, he’s choosing to just stay at home and be with his family.” said Mendez.

‘The Eagle’ clearly has the backing of his coach and as Mendez claims, Nurmagomedov always has the option to come back and corner one of his fighters.

Javier Mendez on how much of a difference Khabib Nurmagomedov’s absence will make against Alexander Volkanovski.

Although Mendez acknowledges Nurmagomedov’s presence as a positive aspect, he doesn’t believe it will make a huge difference at UFC 284. He emphasizes that he has cornered Makhachev since 2015 as the main reason for that.

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“I’ve been in uh you know Islam’s corner since 2015. It’s a great thing to have(Khabib) there and I would want him there. But I’m okay with him not being there either because Islam Makhachev is such a great student of the game.” Mendez told Submission Radio.

This statement clearly shows the chemistry that Mendez and Makhachev share. It’s also under Mendez’s tutelage that Islam Makhachev has grown into the fighter that he is right now. 

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Ultimately, there’s no doubt Nurmagomedov’s presence would have been an advantage. But Mendez and Makhachev have been in the sport a long time to let his absence affect their game plan.