Javier Mendez talks about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mental strength ahead of his UFC 229 bout against Conor McGregor.
The build up towards UFC 229 has been relatively silent as of now — something the promotion is reportedly frustrated with Conor McGregor about — but the hype and the smack talk is sure to intensify in the coming weeks. The Irishman has gotten in the heads of many of his opponents, but according to Javier Mendez, none of his antics will matter.
In fact, it’s because of Khabib’s mental strength that the AKA head coach believes he’ll remain undefeated throughout his career.
“I’m of the belief that Khabib’s mental strength is so strong that I personally feel that he’s never going to lose,” Mendez told MMA Fighting. “I really don’t — I don’t think he’s ever going to lose. He’s going to find whatever he needs to do to win, whether he does it my way or does it his way, he’s going to find a way to win and that’s just what he does.”
Mendez says Conor’s mind games or the previous bus attack and altercations won’t affect his star pupil.
“I’m not going to have to worry about keeping [Nurmagomedov] in check. He is so mentally strong that it’s not going to be an issue at all. Like I said, Conor is going to press his buttons, but it doesn’t matter. I believe Khabib is going to stay cool throughout the whole thing,” Mendez said.
“He’s going to dish it out as good as he gets it, and trust me, Conor’s going to give it to him because Conor is master at playing the game. He’s going to find an equal mental sparring partner as well as physical. This fight is going to be mental and physical, outside the fight and inside the fight, they’re both going to fight for the advantages.”