Khabib's trainer is surprised by his pupil's stance after losing his father: 'He will fight to preserve his legacy'

J. Mendez (right) praises the strength of K. Nurmagomedov (center), after the death of his father (left). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The surprising death of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov caused members of the MMA community to begin to have doubts about his performance. Khabib Nurmagomedov. After all, not many athletes manage to turn their careers around after suffering major losses. However, Javier Mendez, the Russian's coach, reassured his fans for the duel against Justin gaethje, valid by UFC 254, which takes place this Saturday (24), in Abu Dhabi.

At the pre-event press conference, the leader of AKA (American kickboxing Academy) revealed what it was like to live with Abdulmanap and Khabib, he assured that, despite the pain and sadness, his pupil is stronger than ever and aims to dedicate the victory to his father and honor his legacy.

See too

Khabib Nurmagomedov opens up and admits going through the most difficult moment in his career after his father's death

Khabib denies retirement and maintains his desire to face GSP: 'It's the biggest fight in UFC history!'

Khabib Nurmagomedov reinforces his interest in facing GSP: 'The only fight that makes me excited'

Despite the friendship, Cormier promises to be impartial when analyzing the fight between Khabib and Gaethje at UFC 254

Khabib Nurmagomedov praises Justin Gaethje and reveals strategy to win at UFC 254: 'Get tired and submit'

“Of course the loss of his father affects Khabib. I've only been with Abdulmanap in the corner once and it was something different. Khabib always talked to and about his father. It's hard to lose someone you love and know so well. Even with the difficulty, I think Khabib is dealing with this loss fantastically. He is motivated to preserve the legacy he and his father built and wants to dedicate the victory to him. That's what I can say and it's great. Khabib told me that if he breaks something, he will be fine because his mind will not be broken,” Mendez said.

The Russian's coach recognizes that Gaethje could be the most dangerous opponent Khabib has had to deal with and hopes he doesn't want to venture into striking.

“I like the easy way. Khabib is the best when it comes to taking down and fighting opponents on the ground. He always scares me when he fights on his feet, especially when he did it against McGregor. I don't like! I hope he doesn't do that to Gaethje. It's simple: if we have the easiest path, why choose the most difficult one? With Abdulmanap in the corner, Khabib followed the strategy from start to finish against Poirier. Without it, I feel fearful,” he concluded.

In addition to raising Khabib, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was his mentor and one of the great pillars for his son's success in MMA. He was also responsible for putting the lightweight champion and a legion of Russians on the path to martial arts. Abdulmanap passed away on July 3, 2020, at the age of 57, a victim of Covid-19.