Javier Mendez, a longtime coach of Khabib Nurmagomedov, is shy to share his thoughts on one of the MMA’s most infamous nights, the clash between Khabib and Conor McGregor.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor
For those who somehow missed it, this was a fight in which the undefeated Daguestani wrestler pitted against the Brush Ireland striker. This was the match that ended with Habib, who submitted McGregor in the fourth round, and then in true MMA fashion, sparked a postwar brawl where everyone had been talking for weeks.
Directed by Javier Mendes
Javier Mendez is a respected MMA coach and founder of the American Kickbox Academy in San Jose, California, and is known for producing world champions. He is best known for leading Khabib Nurmagomedov to an undefeated career and a lightweight UFC title, but his coaching resume also includes legends such as Cain Velasquez, Daniel Cormier, Islamic Mahachev and Lurk Rockhold.
Javier Mendes recently peeled the curtains off about what actually happened at those final moments. In an interview with Mike Perry, he explained:
“People asked me about that chalk that Connor tapped (khabib nurmagomedov) had on him… I said, “Khabib, I’ve said I want to interview him, you’ve said you don’t want to tap on him. And I’m going, “Are I right?” And he says, “There’s no coach, you were wrong.” He wanted me to tap on “In the fight).
So it turns out he was both in a little while for those who still claim that whether Khabib Nurmagomedov was coming out for blood or just for business. But breaking his chin was a bridge he was willing to cross.
Of course, the story of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor is more than just a chalk or takedown. The lead into the fight was the circus, with McGregor aiming for Habib’s family, religion and country.
Mendes did not etch words: “(If so) you want to talk about fighters, go ahead. But McGregor) talked about religion, he spoke about family, he spoke about the country. I don’t respect the fighters doing it.
Despite the fireworks, Mendes insists he doesn’t hold grim, but things are definitely not cold between the teams. He continued:
“I don’t have grim, but I don’t like the way (Connor McGregor) to act on myself. So I’m not going to make an effort to talk to a guy. No, I won’t try. Now I’m not saying I have beef with him.
“But I don’t have any beef with him so I’m never going to be by his side. And I’m the team khabib until I die. I’m Team Khabib. But I don’t have a guy and beef. I’m not going to go to him and say, “Hey, you!” There’s nothing wrong with him in that regard. I have no desire.
After an explosive 2018 showdown, Khabib Nurmagomedov continued his domination by defending the lightweight title against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, citing the loss of competitive fires and his father’s death in 2020 as an important reason for his departure from the sport. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor struggled to regain his previous glory, only one victory over Donald Serone was certain before suffering consecutive losses and serious leg injuries to Dustin Poirier in 2021. His career has since been marked by long layoffs, cancelled fights, court disputes, trials and enduring speculation about whether he will return to top form.
So, while the dust may have settled down on that wild night in Las Vegas, memories and opinions are still very alive. And if you’re looking for someone to make up for by shaking hands, you might want to see elsewhere. Team Khabib has pasted Jawbones and other items.