Free Agent Usman Nurmagomedov’s ‘Special Abilities’ Praised By Legendary MMA Coach

Usman Nurmagomedov has dominated headlines since his recent PFL title defense, where he knocked out Archie Colgan to extend his record to 22-0. Immediately, he fueled speculation about a potential move to the UFC. Now, longtime coach Javier Mendez has provided insight into what makes the Dagestani star stand out from other fighters.

Nurmagomedov transitioned to the PFL after Bellator was dissolved, continuing his unbeaten run under the promotion’s banner. He captured the PFL lightweight title by defeating Paul Hughes at PFL Champions Series 2 in 2025. Nurmagomedov then submitted Alfie Davis at PFL Dubai in February 2026, successfully making his first title defense.

Nurmagomedov defeated Colgan in the final fight of his current PFL contract and remains the promotion’s lightweight champion. He is now a free agent and has hinted at a potential UFC move, while his next deal remains undecided. Mendez has coached Nurmagomedov at American Kickboxing Academy for years and recently revealed what makes the young star so special.

Khabib just wants to continue seeing his brothers grow, and his personal favorite, to me, is his cousin. Usman does things that nobody can teach. There are things that kid does that I can’t teach, and I didn’t teach him. He did it on his own.

Javier Mendez via Weighing In podcast

Javier Mendez says Usman Nurmagomedov has abilities that even coaches can’t teach.

“Khabib just wants to continue seeing his brothers grow, and his personal favorite, to me, is his cousin. Usman does things that nobody can teach. There are things that kid does that I can’t… pic.twitter.com/zWCeBOxLTA

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 6, 2026

This is not the first time Mendez has praised the undefeated star, having made a similar assessment in 2023. When asked about the most talented fighter he had trained, the legendary coach quickly named Nurmagomedov. He also stressed that Nurmagomedov needed to compete in the UFC to build a lasting legacy.

While Mendez has played a major role in Usman’s career, his cousin and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov remains key. Khabib has overseen Usman’s development since childhood, with the two training together throughout his rise. He has also repeatedly highlighted the 28-year-old’s skills and dominance to the MMA world.

Usman’s UFC arrival has long been discussed, with his longtime teammate Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title previously creating a hurdle.

However, that obstacle is gone, as Makhachev is now the UFC welterweight champion. He also appears focused on staying in the 170-pound division, leaving the 155-pound division open for Usman.

Javier Mendez has trained elite fighters, from two-division champions BJ Penn and Daniel Cormier to other champions like Luke Rockhold and Cain Velasquez.

Usman Nurmagomedov now stands among that impressive group, with Mendez continuing to highlight his abilities. His next move could determine whether he ultimately reaches the legacy his coach believes remains possible.

Javier Mendez reveals why the UFC will not give Usman Nurmagomedov an immediate title shot

Usman Nurmagomedov made the MMA world erupt after hinting at a potential UFC debut during his PFL New York post-fight interview. The undefeated Dagestani star revealed that the best financial opportunity would influence his decision about his future. Nurmagomedov is currently a free agent after completing his PFL contract with his victory over Archie Colgan.

UFC CEO Dana White has been interested in signing Usman Nurmagomedov for years, with the undefeated star remaining on his radar. White was asked about signing Nurmagomedov at the UFC Belgrade press conference. The UFC boss responded with a big smile, appearing to welcome the possibility.

The UFC and PFL have long competed for elite MMA talent, with their rivalry intensifying after the PFL acquired Bellator in 2023.

PFL has positioned itself as a UFC competitor, while White has dismissed that comparison. Mendez believes the rivalry could prevent the UFC from immediately giving Nurmagomedov a title shot.

In the ideal world, because of the fact that we won’t get the champion. If he was to sign over with the UFC, there’s no way they will give us a title shot because you know what that would say, right? If we come in and we destroy the champion, that just gives credibility to PFL and all these other organizations as you don’t have the best fighters in the world. You have the most fighters in the world, but not necessarily the number one because that will prove that PFL actually has some number ones.

Javier Mendez via The Weighing In podcast

Javier Mendez says the UFC won't give Usman Nurmagomedov an immediate title shot because it would prove the best lightweight in the world was outside the UFC.

Via @WeighingIn pic.twitter.com/RESM3IQFPU

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 6, 2026

Ali Abdelaziz has called for former champion Ilia Topuria to face Usman Nurmagomedov in the UFC, but believes the Spaniard would have no chance.

The manager has backed the undefeated star to dominate the UFC if he joins the promotion. For Nurmagomedov, a UFC move could now open the door to the matchup Abdelaziz wants.

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