Khabib Nurmagomedov seemed to announce the end of his coaching career a few months ago. Yet now, Javier Mendez, his previous head coach, has addressed the query that many MMA enthusiasts were eager to have answered: Is ‘The Eagle’ still involved in coaching?
Javier Mendes influence in MMA
After retiring from fighting in 2020, Nurmagomedov assumed the position of co-head coach at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA).
He started appearing in the corners of fighters like Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and even welterweight title contender Belal Muhammad. Nevertheless, despite enjoying several successful years as a coach, it appeared that ‘The Eagle’ had completely distanced himself from MMA. However, recent footage of Nurmagomedov back at AKA in recent weeks has ignited excitement among fans.
Javier Mendez clarifies Coach Khabib in not entirely out of the picture. 🦅
Full story: https://t.co/RSJIwfyznp pic.twitter.com/aixHGLBoJ2
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 1, 2023
Mendez, the longtime coach of the former champion, has now provided an answer as to whether ‘The Eagle’ has resumed coaching or if he ever departed from it. In a recent interview with Helen Yee, he made the following statement: “Khabib never left. He is the same as he was when he said that he was gonna step away from cornering. He never said that he wouldn’t train the guys. When they’re at home in Dagestan. He said that he was going to devote his time to his family. And that he is doing. That he has done. He just happens to be here helping with Abubakar [Nurmagomedov]. But don’t expect him to be in people’s corner. But do expect him to train these people for life.”
In an upcoming grappling tournament, Nurmagomedov’s team is set to go head-to-head with the formidable Brazilian jiu-jitsu superteam, B-Team Jiu-Jitsu.
While the event is scheduled to occur in Kazakhstan, the specific format of the tournament remains unclear at the moment.
Although ‘The Eagle‘ won’t be personally participating in the competition, he will be present in the capacity of a coach, providing guidance and support to his team.
Who should Khabib Nurmagomedov coach from the current UFC roster?
B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, co-owned by Craig Jones, who serves as Alexander Volkanovski’s grappling coach, Nicky Rodriguez, and Nicky Ryan, boasts an impressive roster of talented grapplers. Joining them are skilled competitors Damien Anderson and Ethan Crelinsten.
During episode #26 of their podcast, The Simple Man Podcast, Rodriguez, Anderson, and Crelinsten revealed the exciting news of their upcoming clash against Nurmagomedov’s team.
Crelinsten shared the following statement: “It’s a team event in Kazakhstan. Where it’s B-Team versus Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team. No [Khabib is not on the team], that would be insane. He is coaching…” The insatiable appetite of fans for Khabib Nurmagomedov is a clear testament to his extraordinary achievements within the Octagon.
While he may choose to persist in his coaching responsibilities, it remains uncertain whether he will step back into the fighting arena. What are your thoughts regarding this? Let us know in the comment section below.
