“Treat me like family,” Emotional coach Javier Mendez shares ‘unreal’ Team Khabib experience of respect and loyalty

Coach Javier Mendez discusses the affection and respect he receives from his fellow Dagestani pupils as he prepares for Islam Makhachev's next fight at UFC 294.


“Treat me like family,” Emotional coach Javier Mendez shares ‘unreal’ Team Khabib experience of respect and loyalty

Javier Mendez with Khabib Nurmagomedov and others ( Image via Instagram )

Javier Mendez is a well-known figure in the world of mixed martial arts. He is an American MMA coach and the founder of the MMA gym known as the American Kickboxing Academy. He is primarily recognized for his roles as a coach to some of the most talented athletes in the sport.

A recent video uploaded on YouTube by sk mma gave fans an insight into the training camp of Islam Makhachev. It is the final week of preparation for Islam Makhachev and the rest of the Dagestani fighters as they prepare for UFC 294. Islam Makhachev will face Alexander Volkanovski for their highly anticipated rematch in Abu Dhabi.

Javier Mendez pointed out the improvement Makhachev has undergone and expressed his happiness on seeing Islam on point and healthy. ” One other thing I want to point out…every time I come here, I get overwhelmed…,” Mendez shared. “The respect, the bond, the loyalty you guys have is unreal…every time I come here I’m like wow you guys treat me like family,” Javier Mendez continued.

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YouTube video

Javier Mendez is one of the co-owners and advisors for the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) gym. The gym is a renowned training facility for MMA fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and many others. He is popular for being one of the most successful MMA coaches of all time. He has worked with numerous fighters and helped them achieve significant success in the sport.

Makhachev is recognized for his skills in the lightweight division. Mendez has primarily invested his time and energy in Makhachev’s training and career. As such, Mendez has commented on Makhachev’s rise in the UFC‘s pound-for-pound rankings.

Related: “I’m blessed” – Non-Muslim filmmaker lauds Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team for never pushing for conversion 

Javier Mendez predicting UFC 294’s main event featuring Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski

Coach Javier Mendez shared his insights regarding the much-anticipated rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev’s recent track record is nothing short of impressive. His expectations for Makhachev are exceptionally high, as he envisions Makhachev becoming a potential pound-for-pound UFC and world champion.

Israel Adesanya Alexander Volkanovski Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski will have their rematch at UFc 294 ( Image via Instagram )

Nevertheless, Mendez cautioned against anticipating a swift finish, asserting that the clash would likely extend to a grueling five-round battle. As for Alexander Volkanovski, he anticipated Makhachev taking him down but remained confident in his ability to avoid extended ground control. In contrast, Makhachev envisions Volkanovski facing a sense of panic once the fight hits the mat.

Meanwhile, Mendez emphasized Makhachev’s remarkable physical strength. He firmly believes that Makhachev will successfully execute takedowns during the fight. The clash between Makhachev and Volkanovski promises to be a fierce showdown, offering fans an intense and potentially career-defining spectacle for Makhachev.

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