Javier Mendez all but writes off a potential fight between Islam Mamedov and Usman Nurmagomedov
American Kickboxing Academy patriarch Javier Mendez has completely dismissed talks of a potential fight between Islam Mamedov and Usman Nurmagomedov.
This past weekend at Bellator 288, Usman Nurmagomedov was crowned the Bellator lightweight champion when he dethroned Patricky Pitbull via unanimous decision.
It's foreseeable that the freshly crowned lightweight champion will cross paths with teammates Islam Mamedov and Gadzhi Rabadanov, fellow contenders in the 155-pound division of Bellator MMA. They were all coached by Khabib Nurmagomedov's late father Abdulmanap and continue to train together to this day.
Javier Mendez laid all questions to rest in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA and claimed that their relationship with each other is as strong as any familial bond:
"Not a problem. They know their situation. They will never fight their brother. That's never going to happen. Islam [Mamedov] will never fight Usman, and Gadhzi will never fight him either. They're going to do their thing."
Mendez added that if Nurmagomedov was to lose his title, Mamedov and Rabadanov would then fancy their chances at laying hands on the Bellator championship:
"If something happens where Usman loses, then of course they are going to want to fight for the title. But as long as Usman stays where he's at. they are never going to go that route. They are too close. They grew up together. They're as close as you can get as brothers without being blood-related."
Watch the full interview below:
Meanwhile, both Mamedov and Rabadanov congratulated Usman Nurmagomedov on becoming the Bellator lightweight champion through Instagram posts.
Usman Nurmagomedov requested coach Javier Mendez to convince Khabib Nurmagomedov to give him a rest day
Usman Nurmagomedov is the new undisputed Bellator lightweight champion, however, the grind does not stop for the Dagestani team that is led by retired UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
'The Eagle' has followed in his father's footsteps and transitioned into the role of a coach. Athletes under his mentorship are prospering as champions and viable contenders in some of the world's most prestigious MMA promotions.
One might think that capturing the championship would guarantee some well-deserved rest days, but not according to the former UFC lightweight champion.
In the aforementioned interview, Javier Mendez claimed that Usman Nurmagomedov requested him to convince Khabib Nurmagomedov to allow him a day off from training:
"Usman comes and tells me, 'Coach, can I take tomorrow off? You know how you tell us to listen to our bodies and my body is super tired. Can I have tomorrow off please? And I said, 'Yes, you can take tomorrow off and thank you for telling me.' He goes, 'Can you please tell Khabib because he will smash me."