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Coach claims Kevin Lee was too busy moaning to win in UFC return: ‘You should’ve focused more’

American Kickboxing Academy head coach, Javier Mendez has claimed that “warning signs” should have been clear ahead of the return of former interim lightweight title challenger, Kevin Lee at UFC Vegas 76 last weekend – with the Missouri native suffering a brutal 55-second submission loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov. Lee, a former interim lightweight title challenger, […]

Lee, a former interim lightweight title challenger, made his second UFC debut over the course of last weekend against Russian standout, Fakhretdinov, suffering a stunning 55-second technical submission loss to the latter – suffering a guillotine choke submission defeat.

Dropping his third consecutive loss under the banner of the promotion, Kevin Lee had previously dropped a unanimous decision defeat to Daniel Rodriguez – which came off the back of a guillotine choke loss to former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira in 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Kevin Lee urged to focus more following his submission loss in his UFC return

And ahead of his return to the Octagon – Lee, who voiced his displeasure with fighting at the UFC Apex facility, as well as claiming there were many “holes” he had noticed in the game of former undisputed champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, was criticized for a lack of focus by AKA maestro, Mendez.

“For me, some of the warning signs for me where Kevin (Lee) was talking about, ‘I’m beyond these little shows at the APEX’, his attitude, to me it’s like your focus should’ve been on winning over your opponent,” Javier Mendez said on his podcast. “Other comments were about Khabib (Nurmagomedov), ‘I saw holes in his game.’”

“You should’ve been more focused on your fight and forget anybody else, forget anybody in particular, just focus on yours because everybody was dying to see what you could do,” Mandez said of Kevin Lee. “It should have never came up – solely focus on the job at hand. A lot of fighters need to focus on the person they’re fighting, especially when you know you have a really tough opponent.” (H/T MMA Mania)

Reacting to Lee’s stunning submission loss, fans poked fun at the Detroit native, with social media users claiming he should have pursued a path on the TikTok platform – akin to his sibling, Keith Lee.

Coach reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov considered UFC return, remained in USADA testing pool: ‘He was close’

Javier Mendez, the head coach of former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, confirmed his product was serious about a potential return to the Octagon in 2021 – even remaining in the USADA testing pool for a period of eight months following his retirement from combat sports. Khabib, a former undisputed lightweight champion under the […]

Khabib, a former undisputed lightweight champion under the banner of the UFC, retired from professional mixed martial arts competition back in September 2020, successfully unifying the lightweight titles with a second round triangle choke submission win over then-interim champion, Justin Gaethje.

Citing the passing of his father and head coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov as the reasoning behind his surprising retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away from the sport boasting a stunning 29-0 professional record – before he was eventually stripped of his undisputed lightweight crown.

However, speculation remained rife regarding a return to the Octagon for the Dagestan native, who claimed that if someone who featured on a UFC 257 card – featuring former foes, Dustin Poirier, and Conor McGregor – as well as Dan Hooker, and Michael Chandler, turned in an exceptional performance, he would consider a sport return.

Eventually, Khabib Nurmagomedov elected against making a comeback to active competition, with UFC president, Dana White reluctantly confirming his retirement from the sport.

Javier Mendez reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov was close to a UFC comeback

As per his head coach, Mendez, however, Khabib was weighing up a potential comeback in search of a 30-0 professional record – even remaining in the USADA anti-doping testing pool for up to eight months following his initial retirement.

“After Khabib (Nurmagomedov) retired, they [USADA] were still testing them,” Javier Mendez told Grosvenor Sport. “Dana White didn’t remove Khabib from the testing pool after he retired because he still hoped Khabib would fight again, but then Khabib had enough of being tested, so he told Dana he didn’t want to test anymore and that he’s not coming back.”

“He was roughly tested for about eight months before he had enough,” Javier Mendez said of Khabib Nurmagomedov. “The UFC were trying to get him to come back and he came close. You saw it when we were in Abu Dhabi. He said, ‘If someone shows me something spectacular, then maybe I’ll come back.’ It was Conor vs. Poirier that night, but it did not get Khabib excited. He said if something excited him on that card, then maybe he’d consider it. But it never happened, The UFC was pushing him, but nothing excited him, so it was a no go.”

Coach changes tune, claims Charles Oliveira now deserves title fight with Islam Makhachev after UFC 289 win

Ahead of UFC 289, American Kickboxing Academy head coach, Javier Mendez had claimed that even with a victory – Charles Oliveira would likely not deserve a title rematch with his student, Islam Makhachev, however, the Brazilian has now been touted as next in line for a title fight according to Mendez. Co-headlining UFC 289 over […]

Co-headlining UFC 289 over the course of the weekend, Charles Oliveira managed to return to the winner’s enclosure with a first round win over the surging, Beneil Dariush – finishing the Kings MMA staple with a barrage of opening frame ground strikes.

The victory propelled the Sao Paulo finisher back to the winner’s enclosure for the first time since October of last year, having previously dropped a second round arm-triangle submission loss to Makhachev at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, UAE in the pair’s vacant title showdown.

Immediately calling for a title fight rematch with Makhachev following his success against Dariush, Oliviera was issued a reminder of how their first matchup played out by the Russian – who claimed there was “levels to this game”.

Javier Mendez now claims Charles Oliveira deserves a title rematch with Islam Makhachev

And despite initially denying Oliveira should fight for gold with a win over Dariush, the above-mentioned, Mendez has since claimed Makhachev should fight the Brazilian later this year now in a certain tune change.

“I didn’t know who was gonna win [at UFC 289], but I was crossing my fingers it was gonna be Beneil (Dariush),” Javier Mendez told Submission Radio. “I for sure did not think Charles (Oliveira) was gonna be that impressive in victory. I didn’t think he was gonna be able to do it like he did. I thought a great performance was gonna put him in the talks, but I bypassed that. Maybe it’s because I wanted Beneil to win, I don’t know. But I should not have underestimated how great he is as a champion.”

“I feel that in my opinion, Charles has earned the right to be number one in line for it [title shot],” Mendez explained. “What the UFC feels is different, but from what I see, I don’t see how [Oliveira doesn’t get a title fight next]. Do I think he’s done enough? Yeah, I think he has.”

Furthermore, UFC leader, Dana White also expressed his interest in booking a title rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira later this annum.

Islam Makhachev’s coach shuts down Charles Oliveira rematch after UFC 289: ‘Him winning is not gonna be enough’

Javier Mendez, the head coach of undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has pumped the brakes on a title rematch between his student and former division titleholder, Charles Oliveira – even if the Brazilian emerges victorious from UFC 289 this weekend in his title-eliminator with Beneil Dariush. Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, headlined UFC 280 […]

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, headlined UFC 280 back in October of last year in Abu Dhabi, UAE – submitting the former undisputed division champion, Charles Oliveira in the pair’s vacant title fight.

Returning to the Octagon earlier this year in the main event of UFC 284 in Perth, Australia – Makhackala native, Makhachev successfully retained his crown in a close, unanimous decision win over current featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski on enemy territory.

As for Oliveira, the Brazilian has yet to return to active competition since seeing his 12-fight winning run halted by Makhachev last October in the Middle East, however, is scheduled to co-headline UFC 289 this weekend in Canada.

Javier Mendez uninterested in title rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira

Billed as a potential title-eliminator at the weight class by many, Charles Oliveira’s chances of securing a rematch with Makhachev in Abu Dhabi again this October have been shot down by the above-mentioned, Mendez, however – even if he defeats the streaking Dariush in ‘The Great White North’.

“I want [Beneil Dariush] to win [at UFC 289] because I feel he deserves it,” Javier Mendez said on his podcast. “And Charles (Oliveira), I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know if we’ll get Charles even if he does win. It’s all based on what the UFC looks at the algorithm for, who’s gonna get the most money. Charles winning is not gonna be enough.”

“I think it’s gonna be (Justin) Gaethje or Dustin (Poirier) that’ll get the shot if Beneil doesn’t win,” Mendez explained. “Beniel wins, he gets the shot. I want Beneil, only because he’s a great challenge and he deserves it. But if Charles wins, then, hey, good for him too. Then Charles will probably have to fight one more time.” [Transcribed by MMA News]

Ex-UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez returns to coaching while awaiting attempted murder trial

Former UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez has returned to American Kickboxing Academy in a coaching role following his incarceration. Last February, Velasquez was arrested following and charged with attempted murder after shooting a man. The former heavyweight was targeting Aguirre ‘Harry’ Goularte, who is accused of abusing Velasquez’s four-year-old son, but hit the man’s stepfather, […]

Former UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez has returned to American Kickboxing Academy in a coaching role following his incarceration.

Last February, Velasquez was arrested following and charged with attempted murder after shooting a man. The former heavyweight was targeting Aguirre ‘Harry’ Goularte, who is accused of abusing Velasquez’s four-year-old son, but hit the man’s stepfather, Paul Bender.

Goularte, who was working at the daycare which Velasquez’s son attended, was pursued by Velasquez by car for over ten miles. The 40-year-old rammed the victim’s car and also fired several shots using his handgun.

Velasquez was held in custody for 8 months before being released on $1 million bail last November and is awaiting his upcoming trial.

Cain Velasquez returns to old stomping grounds

During his time as one of the most dangerous heavyweights on the planet, Velasquez trained in the shark tank that is AKA alongside the likes of Daniel Cormier and Luke Rockhold. While he tried his hand at professional wrestling in a short stint in the WWE, it now seems that Velasquez has returned to the mats, this time helping the young fighters coming through AKA.

In an interview, Velasquez’s long-time coach Javier Mendez revealed that the multiple-time world champion is back, and he couldn’t be more thrilled.

“Cain Velasquez will be in some fighters’ corners that he’s with,” Mendez said in an interview with Helen Yee. “He is a joy to have, he is an unbelievable coach. I’m blessed to have him there at AKA daily with the guys. He’s a huge motivator, he’s becoming great at speaking, speeches.”

“He’s becoming great at talking to the fighters, and the ins and the outs. How to think, how to be a champion, he’s fantastic. I couldn’t ask for a better coach and friend than Cain Velasquez.” (H/T BJPenn.com)

Are you happy to see Cain Velasquez back?

Javier Mendez calls for UFC alum Khabib Nurmagomedov to return to fighters’ corners: ‘It’s such a huge motivator’

American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez clarified details surrounding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement from coaching, suggesting that ‘The Eagle’ never actually said he was walking away from the sport altogether. After going 29-0, capturing the UFC lightweight world championship along the way, Nurmagomedov retired from the sport in 2020 following a title defense against perennial contender […]

After going 29-0, capturing the UFC lightweight world championship along the way, Nurmagomedov retired from the sport in 2020 following a title defense against perennial contender Justin Gaethje. Since then, ‘The Eagle’ has continued to be a constant presence at events while cornering fighters, including reigning 155-pound titleholder Islam Makhachev. However, fans were thrown another curveball when Nurmagomedov seemingly announced his retirement from coaching and was noticeably absent during Makhachev’s UFC 284 superfight with featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.

As it turns out, Nurmagomedov may not actually be done coaching. Sure, the likelihood of seeing him Octagon-side on Fight Night is slim, but according to Javier Mendez, ‘The Eagle’ still makes an appearance inside the gym from time to time.

“One thing people don’t understand is he never said he wouldn’t coach people,” Mendez told The Schmo. “He said he’s not gonna be in the corner and travel to fight camps because he’s spending time with his family. He never said he wouldn’t come and visit here and there, and train the guys. He never said none of that. He’s still holding to everything he’s ever said (h/t MMA News).

Javier Mendez also confirmed that ‘The Eagle’ has been back in the gym, helping his cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov prepare for a UFC Fight Night clash with Elizeu Zaleski on June 3. With both Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov expected to return later this year, Mendez is hoping that the UFC Hall of Famer will make his way back to the gym and take some of the load off his shoulders.

“He never said never either, so I’m hoping at some point he can come back and help me because him being in the corner is such a huge motivator for the guys and me,” Mendez explained. “Then my job’s easier. I don’t have to worry about hardly anything. I just sit in the backseat and let him drive because he’s a hell of a driver.”

“Doesn’t matter who we fight, just get us a fight” JAVIER MENDEZ @UNmgdv FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/6gxXN5vThU pic.twitter.com/iugBZT2rDQ

— The Schmo (@TheSchmo312) May 30, 2023

Javier Mendez Believes He Has Another Future World Champon on His Hands with Umar Nurmagomedov

Javier Mendez could be very busy in the near future as he has yet another potential future world champion on his hands with Umar Nurmagomedov. The 16-0 standout is on the cusp of becoming a legitimate contender in the bantamweight division. Speaking on the trajectory ‘Young Eagle’ is on, Mendez suggested it’s just a matter of time before he is facing top-five opponents en route to becoming a UFC world champion.

“Soon to be (champion), we’ve got ‘Young Eagle,’ which is Umar, Khabib’s cousin… He’s gonna be the bantamweight champ,” Mendez said. “Anybody in the top five is the right opponent (for him)… The likelihood of beating him is not in their favor. I don’t see anybody beating him in the bantamweight division.

“We’re training for a fight, we’re just waiting for a fight date… ‘Young Eagle’ Umar will be champ beginning of next year. New UFC bantamweight champion, I’m predicting it,” Mendez continued. “We get a top-five guy in his next fight, and I know he’s gonna beat him. Then the title shot is next. I really believe in my heart that the UFC will do that.”