Team Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals having mole inside gym leaking sensitive information 

Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov's coach, Javier Mendez, talks about journalist Ariel Helwani planting moles inside his AKA gym.

Team Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals having mole inside gym leaking sensitive information 

Team Khabib’s, Javier Mendez, talks about Ariel Helwani (via Instagram)

Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team initially started training at the American Kickboxing Academy, where coach Javier Mendez led them. AKA is historically one of the most popular and successful gyms in MMA history, producing five UFC champions. Coach Mendez has had to handle the challenges of such success, including dealing with moles and information leaks.

Recently, in one of his podcasts, coach Javier Mendez discussed top MMA journalist Ariel Helwani and his role in the sport. Mendez shared a story about how news of former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez’s knee injury leaked unexpectedly to the public. Just two hours after the incident, Mendez received a call from Helwani, sparking doubts about how the information got out.

This guy is a genius. He goes way and above to report things and he’s really good at it. I was always trying to figure out whose his damn mole. It has to be someone inside the gym. He has inside information. Back then, he sure as hell did. 

Javier Mendez via The Javier & Mo Show 

Mendez explained how he confronted Helwani about it, but never got any answers. Over the years, Helwani has built a reputation as one of MMA’s most followed journalists, but his career is filled with controversies. He was famously banned from UFC events in 2016 after breaking the news about Brock Lesnar‘s return before UFC’s announcement.

This incident highlighted his commitment to reporting breaking stories, regardless of the consequences from major organizations. Following that, UFC CEO Dana White has despised Helwani and doesn’t miss an opportunity to mock the reporter. But instead of taking offense, Helwani used it to his advantage by building his network and maintaining his fearless reporting style. 

Team Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Ariel Helwani long-standing beef 

Ariel Helwani had a beef with Khabib Nurmagomedov that began back in 2018, causing tension. The ‘Eagle’ became frustrated by the constant, insensitive questions Helwani asked, which disregarded his personal boundaries. Nurmagomedov publicly called out the former ESPN reporter for being disrespectful and even blocked his number, signaling a deep rift between the two. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov's dispute with Ariel Helwani
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dispute with Ariel Helwani (via X)

Despite an infamous interview between them where things were clarified, their relationship has yet to fully mend. Similarly, Team Khabib’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has had a heated dispute with the MMA journalist due to his alleged role in creating rifts and tensions. In 2020, ahead of Nurmagomedov’s final fight before retirement, Abdelaziz banned Helwani from interviewing anybody from his management. 

All @espnmma you have been banned from talking to any Dominance fighters because you have a reporter who’s targeting my champions. You need an immediate investigation for corruption today.

Ali Abdelaziz via X 

Till now, that ban is applicable as no fighter from Team Khabib, including Islam Makhachev ever talked to Ariel Helwani. However, despite all that drama, the Canadian doesn’t shy away from covering those fighters, given the humongous fan base they have. However, it is safe to say, Helwani’s moles in Javier Mendez’s gym never came into the light. 

What makes Javier Mendez a successful MMA coach?

Javier Mendez’s success as an MMA coach is rooted in his deep understanding of strategy, technique, and fighter psychology. He helped build the careers of six MMA champions from the American Kickboxing Academy. This includes the likes of Cain Velasquez, Daniel Cormier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Luke Rockhold, and Islam Makhachev. 

Javier Mendez's success as cosch
Javier Mendez’s success as cosch (via Instagram)

Mendez’s leadership, technical knowledge, and dedication have earned him respect as one of MMA’s top coaches. However, when it comes to Team Khabib, he respectfully gives credit to the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov for setting up the foundations. 

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