Javier Mendez News
Javier Mendez thinks Islam Makhachev can win UFC middleweight title: 'It's a matter of whether he wants to'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 26, 2024
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez has full confidence in Islam Makhachev’s ability to capture gold at 185 pounds. Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion. He rules a division where the athletes are 30 pounds lighter than middleweights. It’s a fact that won’t deter Mendez, however, who believes his fighter can move up to 185 pounds and rule the roost there. If welterweight doesn’t become an option for Makhachev due to his teammate, Belal Muhammad, running the division, then a middleweight run could be in the cards.
Islam Makhachev's coach reveals what Ilia Topuria must do to get UFC super fight: 'Now people will look at him like he’s a lightweight'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 18, 2024
Islam Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez believes Ilia Topuria must prove himself as a lightweight if he wants a title shot at 155 pounds. Topuria currently holds the UFC Featherweight Championship. “El Matador” recently teased moving up to the lightweight division, although he has since clarified that a decision hasn’t been made at this time. Topuria has made it clear that a future showdown with Makhachev is on his mind, although the feeling doesn’t appear to be mutual.
Javier Mendez says Khamzat Chimaev is on same level of Khabib Nurmagomedov & Islam Makhachev despite style differences
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 4, 2024
Renowned American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez has some big praise for Khamzat Chimaev. While Chimaev dazzled MMA fans with his red hot UFC start, illnesses halted his momentum. Perhaps mother nature can only hope to contain “Borz,” as he bounced back to deliver the most impressive performance of his fighting career. He injured Robert Whittaker’s bottom teeth to the point where “The Reaper” was forced to tap out as soon as a face crank was applied.
MMA coach Javier Mendez compares Jon Jones to Lance Armstrong
Harry Kettle - September 4, 2024
MMA coach Javier Mendez has compared Jon Jones’ greatest of all time status to disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong. In recent months, there’s been a lot of talk surrounding the future of Jon Jones. In fact, there’s also been a lot of talk about his past and present. The former light heavyweight king is currently the heavyweight champion, and many consider him to be the GOAT. However, others feel as if the UFC – and Dana White – are trying too hard to paint that picture.
Javier Mendez reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov's evolution as a coach
Harry Kettle - August 3, 2024
Javier Mendez has revealed how his student Khabib Nurmagomedov has managed to evolve as a coach in mixed martial arts. As we know, Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest fighters of all time. While he may have retired four years ago, his impact on the sport of MMA can still be felt in so many different ways.
Javier Mendez wants Khabib Nurmagomedov to improve cornerman work: “He needs to master the corner"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 16, 2024
Khabib Nurmagomedov has been praised for both his fighting career as well as his coaching, but even he isn’t perfect in all areas. Nurmagomedov has been in the corner of reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. It’s no secret that “The Eagle” gets animated when cornering fighters, and UFC 302 was no exception. Nurmagomedov took issue with Makhachev for seemingly playing Dustin Poirier’s game at times during their 155-pound title fight. Ultimately, Makhachev won the bout via fifth-round submission.
Islam Makhachev's coach explains why staph infection before UFC 302 wasn't a big deal for them
Cole Shelton - June 5, 2024
Javier Mendez, the head coach of Islam Makhachev says his fighter getting staph before UFC 302 wasn’t a big deal to them. Makhachev was headlining UFC 302 against Dustin Poirier as he was looking to defend his lightweight title for the third time. Heading into the fight, Makhachev was a sizeable betting favorite, but on fight week, a photo went viral of him apparently having a staph infection.
Javier Mendez dismisses Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria: "He doesn't need to fight him"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - May 31, 2024
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez isn’t a fan of the idea of matching up UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev against Ilia Topuria, at least not right now. Topuria has quickly risen up the featherweight rankings to capture UFC gold at 145 pounds. His popularity has also gotten a nice jolt along the way and he has been laying out some lofty goal, including becoming a two-division champ.
Islam Makhachev’s coach doesn’t believe title fight with “biggest threat” Justin Gaethje will ever come to fruition after UFC 300
Harry Kettle - April 24, 2024
Islam Makhachev’s head coach Javier Mendez has given his thoughts on Justin Gaethje as a potential opponent. At UFC 302, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. Prior to Dustin’s recent win over Benoit Saint-Denis, however, he was knocked out cold by Justin Gaethje.
Javier Mendez refutes Daniel Cormier's claim that Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov: “Nobody is more dangerous”
Harry Kettle - March 28, 2024
Coach Javier Mendez has disagreed with Daniel Cormier’s claim that Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov. Over the course of the last few years, Islam Makhachev has firmly established himself as the king of the lightweight division. Of course, prior to that, there was one man who stood tall above the rest at 155 pounds – his close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Javier Mendez lays out future plans for UFC champion Islam Makhachev: "I’d love to see that"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 20, 2024
Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, will not be featured on the UFC 300 card, but his coach has an update. UFC 300 will feature a pivotal lightweight clash between former 155-pound titleholder Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. UFC CEO Dana White has claimed the bout will determine the number one contender for a shot at Makhachev’s lightweight gold. It’ll be interesting to see who who will emerge victorious to challenge Makhachev, but what is the Makhachev camp thinking in terms of the future?
Coach Javier Mendez dismisses Khabib Nurmagomedov UFC return rumors: "Stop all this nonsense"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 14, 2024
Javier Mendez has poured cold water on the Khabib Nurmagomedov rumors. American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez knows Khabib very well. He even had a heart-to-heart with “The Eagle” during his last UFC fight against Justin Gaethje, reminding his fighter to “remember father’s plan.” That was a nod to Khabib’s late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and “The Eagle” ended up winning that fight and then announced his retirement.
Islam Makhachev's coach reveals what improvements they expect from Charles Oliveira at UFC 294
Harry Kettle - September 18, 2023
Islam Makhachev’s head coach Javier Mendez has revealed what improvements they expect to see from Charles Oliveira at UFC 294. Last year, Islam Makhachev became the UFC lightweight champion by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Now, one year later, the two will run it back as ‘Do Bronx’ attempts to reclaim the gold he lost.
Coach Javier Mendez names the fight that “could be as big as Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov” for Sean O’Malley
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 14, 2023
American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez thinks there’s one fighter who can challenge Sean O’Malley that’ll bring in as much hype as Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor. Fight fans haven’t forgotten about the nasty feud between “The Eagle” and the “Notorious” one. Back in October 2018, Nurmagomedov and McGregor settled their differences (not really) inside the Octagon. In the main event of UFC 229, Nurmagomedov forced McGregor to tap out in the fourth round. “The Eagle” then infamously hopped the cage and went after McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis in the crowd.
Coach Javier Mendez predicts “epic” rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev
Harry Kettle - July 13, 2023
Coach Javier Mendez has predicted that Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev will produce an epic rematch in the future. Earlier this year, Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev went to war. They battled it out over the UFC lightweight championship and, in the end, the decision went in favor of Makhachev. He was able to retain his belt, leaving Volkanovski to head back down to 145 pounds and defend his strap at featherweight.
Javier Mendez reveals Cain Velasquez's return to AKA in coaching capacity: "I'm blessed to him there"
Josh Evanoff - June 2, 2023
Javier Mendez has revealed that Cain Velasquez is back home at the American Kickboxing Academy. The former UFC heavyweight champion has had a rough few years to put it lightly. Velasquez last competed in February 2019, facing Francis Ngannou. In that outing, ‘The Predator’ defeated the former champion by first-round knockout. Following the loss, Velasquez opted to retire.
Javier Mendez reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov never lost a sparring session, claims Islam Makhachev is the only person to win a round off him
Cole Shelton - September 29, 2022
Javier Mendez says no one beat Khabib Nurmagomedov in a sparring session and the only person to win rounds off of him was Islam Makhachev. Nurmagomedov retired undefeated and was dominant in the UFC as he hadn’t lost a round until he fought Conor McGregor. He had his ways with opponents and since he retired, the attention has turned to Islam Makhachev who’s set to headline UFC 280 against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title.
Coach Javier Mendez sees potential comeback for Cain Velasquez: "Money talks most of the time"
Josh Evanoff - February 8, 2022
Coach Javier Mendez has given his take on a potential comeback for Cain Velasquez. Mendez coached the former UFC heavyweight champion during his time at AKA. During their time together, the Mexican captured UFC gold on two different occasions. During his peak, Velasquez was considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.