Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement news was “jaw-dropping”, says coach Javier Mendez

retirement of undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov came out of blue for those in MMA community, including his head coach Javier Mendez. owner of American Kickboxing Academy claimed he had “ idea” Khabib would lay down his gloves after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi. “My jaw dropped. I went, 'What?' I mean, he plays best poker face on planet,” Mendez told Submission Radio.

Throughout a difficult training camp which was almost three months long, Javier Mendez claimed that Eagle never talked about retiring from sport. He said even he didn’t ask Khabib Nurmagomedov about same given personal trdy he had suffered in July when his far Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov died due to complications arising from COVID-19. Javier Mendez said that despite bringing up topics like retirement, he and Khabib focused solely on Justin Gaethje.

Also Read l Khabib UFC retirement: Gaethje reveals what he told Khabib after he broke down in octagon

Mendez ticed some changes in Khabib’s behaviour after Abdulmanap’s death

Javier Mendez added that after Abdulmanap’s death, he saw some obvious changes in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s behaviour as champ was preparing for his 29th fight. He added that though Khabib had changed, it never affected his training so he never brought that up. Javier Mendez met Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov a few years back and two even trained Khabib for his UFC 242 bout against Dustin Poirier.

“As a coach, you tice your fighter’s antics and what y do and don’t do,” he said. “But I understood why,” Javier Mendez added.

Also Read l Khabib vs Gaethje full fight: Khabib hinted at retirement 2 WEEKS before facing Gaethje

Javier Mendez wants Khabib Nurmagomedov to coach at AKA

Later in interview, Javier Mendez revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov is a man of his word and he doesn’t expect champ to change his mind about leaving sport. However, Khabib’s coach claimed that he would love for champ to join AKA and teach up-and-coming talents.

“He’s never been somebody that said something and t meant it. For me, I’d have to say that part’s done. Anything’s possible. As much fans and myself as a coach would love to have him back, , I think he’s done. And you’re t going to get me to convince him orwise,” Javier Mendez added.

Also Read l Khabib vs Gaethje full fight: Undefeated champion Khabib retires after beating Gaethje

Also Read l Khabib UFC retirement: Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov retire? 

Im Source: Javier Mendez Instagram