J. Mendez (right) analyzes A. Silva's career. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Javier Mendez is radiant. After his pupil, Khabib Nurmagomedov, defend the lightweight belt (70,3kg) by winning Justin gaethje, UFC 254, the renowned coach of AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) took a break from his busy schedule and commented on a different topic: Anderson Silva, who will say goodbye to MMA against Uriah Hall, in a duel valid for the UFC Las Vegas 12, which takes place this Saturday (31), in the USA.
In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, Mendez analyzed the career and legacy of the Brazilian legend and former middleweight champion (83,9kg) of the organization, cited his most striking characteristic and took the opportunity to reveal what AKA's next bets are, after the retirements of Daniel Cormier and Khabib.
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Praise for Coaches
Sports fans know that AKA is one of the most respected academies in the sport. Javier Mendez was responsible for the careers of fighters like Khabib, Cormier, Luke Rockhold, Jon Fitch, Josh koscheck, among others and, when asked if Anderson Silva He would be a different fighter if he joined the team, the coach was humble and praised the Brazilian's staff.
“If Anderson was trained at AKA, he would be the same fighter. His coaches did a great job. It would not change and neither would I want to change it,” he explained.
Main weapons
Considered by many as one of the best fighters in the history of MMA, Anderson has many qualities and Mendez highlighted some points that made the Brazilian a myth in the sport.
“Anderson’s most dangerous characteristic is his agility. He has a lot of reflection. Furthermore, he has a God-given natural ability and a winning mentality. He is strong mentally. This combination transformed Anderson into one of the greatest fighters of all time,” he praised.
Scratched reputation
Most athletes experience ups and downs in their careers and Anderson was no different. As time went by, the former middleweight champion went on a losing streak and fell into doping. Despite considering the Brazilian one of the greatest fighters in history, Mendez believes that the bad phase damaged his reputation.
“Unfortunately, you are judged by everything, even as the world witnesses your greatness. I think the defeats of legends like him take their toll, just like it did with Fedor,” he said.
AKA's new crop
As it could not be otherwise, Mendez ended the interview by informing that AKA will remain firm and strong in MMA, after the retirement of its legends. In fact, the coach mentioned some athletes he is betting on for the future.
“AKA is in the rebuilding phase and I have a partnership agreement with Khabib and Team Eagle. We are producing many world-class fighters, like the Khabib cousins. I also have fighters on the rise, like Kyle Cructhmer, Ed Ruth, Daniel Allen, Mark Climaco. Among all the athletes I have, I believe the closest to the belt is Makhachev,” he revealed.
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