Coach Javier Mendez reveals what Khabib Nurmagomedov texted him about Bellator MMA vs. RIZIN show
UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov had the time of his life at the New Year's Eve Rizin x Bellator event at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
In the post-fight interview at the event, CEO of Bellator MMA Scott Coker stressed just how much 'The Eagle' loved the cross-promotion event.
Khabib's coach Javier Mendez has also reiterated the UFC legend's amazement at the event. In an interview with sports reporter Helen Yee, Mendez explained what Nurmagomedov texted him while at the show.
The MMA coach explained that 'The Eagle' was absolutely mesmerized by the whole production and even touted it as the best fight event he has ever witnessed. He added that Nurmagomedov was particularly impressed with how respectful the Japanese fans were:
"He was at the New Year's Eve show, the Rizin vs. Bellator show, and he was texting me [saying], coach I love this show, it's the best show I've ever seen. He was in love with the Rizin - Bellator showdown, the way the production and everything and how polite, how respectful the Japanese audience and the fans are. He absolutely loved it."
Watch Javier Mendez talk about Khabib Nurmagomedov below:
The cross-promotional event saw Bellator fighters getting a clean sweep over Rizin athletes in all five bouts that were contested. Nurmagomedov’s protege Gadzhi Rabadanov was among the Bellator athletes who triumphed at the cross-promotional showdown.
Place your bets for the upcoming UFC fight night main card and earn $$$
When Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke about coaching his team
It would be an understatement to say that Dagestani fighters are currently dominating the mixed martial arts world. Many fighters in Khabib Nurmagomedov's camp, including UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Bellator lightweight kingpin Usman Nurmagomedov, have found immense success in the fight game.
In a recent interview on Wahed's podcast, the UFC legend revealed the no-nonsense mindset that he expects from each of his teammates. Khabib Nurmagomedov said:
"It was Saturday and everybody was complaining about... [being] tired. What do you want all week you were work[ing] hard, end of the week if you [are not] tired... you have to worry about yourself. This is Saturday, our sixth day."
"You work so hard of course you are going to [be] tired. Tomorrow rest and Monday we are beginning one more training... If you don't want [to] then go back to Dagestan and stay with your mom. She is going to give you every day, good breakfast. Don't do nothing stay there."
Watch the full podcast episode below: