“Number 1 lightweight of all time” – Javier Mendez has high praise for Islam Makhachev, compares Dagestani to Frank Shamrock

“Number 1 lightweight of all time” – Javier Mendez has high praise for Islam Makhachev, compares Dagestani to Frank Shamrock

Islam Makhachev and Frank Shamrock

Having coached greats like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, and Luke Rockhold, coach Javier Mendez believes Islam Makhachev is the most-talented fighter of all time.

This is one of the biggest praise the fighter from Makhachkala could get in the MMA fraternity. Islam Makhachev finally has the title shot he always wanted and it is against the dangerous Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Makhachev’s training camp has underway for his huge title fight and coach Javier Mendez is more impressed as the day goes by.

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Mendez, the coach of American Kickboxing Academy has always had high praise for Makhachev. In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Mendez spoke about Makhachev’s talents.

“He is so well-rounded. I am going on record saying as the lightweight, he is hands down, the No. 1 of all time, best in all areas,” said coach Javier. The AKA coach then compares the legendary Frank Shamrock and the Dagestani in terms of skills.

“Way, way back in the day I thought it was Frank Shamrock that was the best well-rounded athlete, and he was in all divisions. But in the lightweight division, for me, the person that’s the best-rounded in every single area is Islam Makhachev,” added Mendez.

Read more: “Islam is BORING” – Dan Lambert explains why Islam Makhachev isn’t a superstar like Khabib Nurmagomedov

Coach Javier reveals Islam Makhachev is the only one to win against Khabib Nurmagomedov in sparring

Islam Makhachev and Khabib
Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov is undoubtedly the king of the AKA gym. The lightweight king was one of the most dominant forces to ever grace the MMA octagon. There is no doubt that he also ruled the training mats. However, coach Javier Mendez reveals Islam Makhachev was the only fighter to put an end to that dominance.

“No one’s ever won a sparring session. Not a sparring session with Khabib ever,” said Javier in the Submission Radio interview. “Except one man. Islam. He’s the only one that has won rounds from Khabib. Never won a session, but he’s won rounds. And I’ve never seen that,” said Mendez.

Also read: Who is Islam Makhachev? How is he related to Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Islam Makhachev is considered to be the true heir of Khabib Nurmagomedov and is expected to continue the legacy of the former lightweight champion. The question remains to be answered at UFC 280 against Charles Oliveira in the title bout.

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