Coach Javier Mendez wants Umar Nurmagomedov to contest for the UFC bantamweight crown in 2025
UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov's coach Javier Mendez has weighed in on future plans for the 28-year-old. Mendez recently had a chat with The Schmo, during which he spoke about what could be next for Nurmagomedov.
The AKA coach shared that he wishes to see Nurmagomedov compete for the UFC bantamweight title in his next outing. According to Mendez, a title fight against the winner of Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili next February in Abu Dhabi would be the ideal scenario:
"[The next step is] the bantamweight championship of the world... Hopefully we'll get it in February in Abu Dhabi. What do you think? Against the winner of O'Malley and Merab. That would be ideal."
When asked whether he had a preference of opponent between O'Malley and Dvalishvili, Mendez picked 'Sugar' as he believes the current UFC champion would be a bigger box-office draw:
"Of course, you know, you would have to be foolish not to think that O'Malley would be the best choice but obviously we're gonna fight whoever we get the opportunity to fight. But, you know, O'Malley is the bigger draw, I believe."
Check out Javier Mendez's comments below:
O'Malley and Dvalishvili are all set to headline the highly anticipated UFC 306 event, which will be held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The card will take place on Septeber 14 and will feature several prominent fighters, including Alexa Grasso, Valentina Shevchenko, Brian Ortega, Diego Lopes, and Irene Aldana.
Javier Mendez speaks on Umar Nurmagomedov's performance against Cory Sandhagen
Umar Nurmagomedov and Cory Sandhagen recently locked horns in a five-round main event at UFC Abu Dhabi. The fight was a competitive affair that lasted 25 minutes and ended with a unanimous decision victory for the Dagestani.
During his conversation with The Schmo, Javier Mendez commented on Nurmagomedov's performnce and gave him an 'A-' grade:
"I felt that [Umar Nurmagomedov] lived up to the hype... He's never gone five rounds. So now, he's proven that he can go five rounds and he was able to do it with a great competitor in Cory... I would say the overall grade I would give [Nurmagomedov] is A-."
Check out Javier Mendez's comments below (1:50):