Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legendary career in mixed martial arts is inextricably linked to the guidance and mentorship of his longtime coach, Javier Mendez. As the head coach of the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, Mendez has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most iconic athletes in the sport, including not only Khabib but also Islam Makhachev, Cain Velasquez, Daniel Cormier, and Luke Rockhold. A former two-time ISKA world champion in kickboxing himself, Mendez’s understanding of striking and MMA strategy has cemented his status as one of the most respected minds in the sport.
After retiring undefeated in 2020, Khabib transitioned seamlessly into a coaching and mentorship role, staying actively involved in the training of fighters from his native Dagestan and beyond. While Khabib’s voice remains crucial in the corner and behind the scenes, the central responsibilities of training camp planning and fighter development still rest firmly on Javier Mendez’s shoulders at AKA. Together, they form a formidable coaching duo, with Khabib focusing heavily on wrestling and fight IQ, while Mendez continues to shape overall game plans and manage the gym’s larger operations.
In a recent episode of his YouTube series, The Javier & Mo Show, Mendez shared his candid opinion on the current UFC pound-for-pound rankings—particularly the rapid ascent of bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who recently moved up to the No. 2 spot, right behind Islam Makhachev. While he acknowledged Dvalishvili’s impressive performances, Mendez expressed some skepticism over the magnitude of the jump. He pointed out that Ilia Topuria, who now sits at No. 4, also demonstrated extraordinary dominance, especially in his recent knockout of Max Holloway, and shouldn’t be overlooked in this competitive conversation.
According to Mendez, while Dvalishvili’s rise is certainly worthy of praise, Topuria’s unbeaten streak and the methodical way he dismantled his opponents deserve equal, if not more, attention. Mendez’s commentary adds depth to the ongoing debate about how pound-for-pound rankings are measured—highlighting that dominance, consistency, and the quality of opposition all weigh heavily in his evaluation of greatness. His insights not only reflect his analytical grasp of MMA but also his deep commitment to fairness and meritocracy within the sport.
