Coach Javier Mendez Picks The Most Talented Fighter From His Camp, And It’s Not Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Javier Mendez

Different MMA teams—from Fighting Nerds to Xtreme Couture and many others—are filled with exceptional talent, making it difficult to pick the best fighter from any one camp. The same holds true for the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)/ Team Khabib Nurmagomedov, which boasts an impressive roster including three different lightweight world champions. However, when asked to choose the most talented fighter from the team, coach Javier Mendez surprised many by snubbing even Khabib and naming someone else as the most naturally gifted.

Javier Mendez, in a recent episode of the Javier & Mo Show, shared that Usman Nurmagomedov is his favorite fighter among all the athletes he has coached. Despite having worked with multiple world champions, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Mendez praised Usman as the most naturally gifted.

According to him, Usman’s unique movement, instinctive skills, and overall physical abilities set him apart in a way that can’t be taught. For Mendez, Usman remains the most talented fighter he has ever trained—standing out across every area of the sport.

In his words, “Just the things he does. You can’t teach what he does. He does things that not technically just his body moves a way that’s not technical…Overall, everything. This guy is amazing. His physical abilities are incredible. It’s crazy. He is the most talented I’ve ever trained, right all the way around… I’ve always said it’s Usman, and it’s still Usman. He is still the guy.”

Indeed, at just 26 years old, he has already made a significant mark in the sport as the reigning Bellator lightweight champion. Usman has maintained a flawless professional MMA record of 19-0, establishing himself as a dominant force and actively upholding the high expectations of his family’s legacy.

Team Khabib Nurmagomedov Coach Compares Islam Makhachev To Alex Pereira

Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira

Mendez hailed Makhachev for being super smart in the cage, always able to switch things up during a fight. He compared Islam to Alex Pereira, saying both guys aren’t afraid to fight anyone. Pereira gets the top spot because he’ll take fights on super short notice, but Islam isn’t far behind—he’s always down to face tough opponents, even if he likes having a bit more time to get ready.

Not long ago, fans saw Islam Makhachev take a last-minute fight at UFC 311 against Renato Moicano after Arman Tsarukyan dropped out. Just like him, Alex Pereira has also taken fights on short notice, showing he’s not afraid of any challenge. Coach Javier Mendez gave Pereira a lot of credit for being so bold, saying he’s one of a kind. But he also praised Makhachev for having the same brave mindset and being ready to fight anyone.