Javier Mendez Praised Usman Nurmagomedov’s Talent
Javier Mendez described Usman Nurmagomedov as the most talented fighter he had trained in an interview reported in November 2024. The American Kickboxing Academy coach singled out the lightweight’s movement and transitions while predicting an exceptional future.
The praise came from a coach’s perspective
Speaking with Red Corner MMA, Mendez said he believed Nurmagomedov had the attributes to become one of the sport’s great fighters. He emphasized what he saw in the athlete’s technical movement and ability to connect different phases of a contest.
Mendez also said a move to UFC was not essential to his assessment. He believed Nurmagomedov could continue building a successful career while competing in Bellator or PFL.
A championship record supported the discussion
Nurmagomedov had won the Bellator lightweight championship against Patricky Pitbull in November 2022. His September 2024 unanimous decision over Alexander Shabliy provided the immediate competitive background to the interview.
The coach’s comments expressed his own evaluation of that potential. They did not establish an official pound-for-pound ranking across the sport.
Two Hughes fights followed
On January 25, 2025, Nurmagomedov retained the Bellator title against Paul Hughes by majority decision in Dubai. Two judges scored it 48–46, while the third returned 47–47.
Their October 3 rematch ended in a unanimous decision for Nurmagomedov, with scores of 50–45, 49–46 and 48–47. The second victory earned the PFL lightweight championship and added another completed title result after Mendez’s earlier praise.
Sources
- MMA Fighting / Red Corner MMA: coach’s attributed assessment
- PFL: January 25 Dubai event
- PFL: first Hughes result
- PFL: October rematch, championship history and decision
