Tag: ufc 311

Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov Leads the Charge as Trainer Coming into UFC 311

Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov Leads the Charge as Trainer Coming into UFC 311The undefeated former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has taken over as the main coach at the AKA gym….

Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov Leads the Charge as Trainer Coming into UFC 311

The undefeated former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has taken over as the main coach at the AKA gym. The Dagestanit fighter was known for his dominant career in the UFC and has transitioned from competition to coaching, with impressive success. His coaching career will be tested in two championship matches at UFC 311.

Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov

AKA head coach Javier Mendez explained Khabib’s journey into coaching in a recent interview with Helen Yee, stating, “To be honest with you, when he stopped fighting—that’s when I think he really took it over. But he was always showing indications that he liked coaching his brothers.”

Even during his fighting career, Khabib showed his passion for coaching. After his own sparring sessions, he would stay and assist his teammates, including his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov and childhood friend Islam Makhachev. His dedication to coaching has been a consistent part of his career. “So, he’s been doing this forever. Yeah, well, he is very passionate.” Mendez added.

Khabib retired from MMA after his victory over Justin Gaethje in October 2020, with an undefeated record of 29-0. Since then, he has focused on coaching at the AKA gym, working alongside Mendez and mentoring several fighters. His influence has been key in the success of fighters like Makhachev, who credits Khabib for enhancing his strategy and skill set in striking and wrestling.

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UFC 311

Makhachev, who is the current UFC Lightweight Champion, has praised Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching, describing him as “someone who nobody can control” in the gym. Khabib’s intensity and commitment to his fighters’ development have been integral to their success in the UFC.

islam Makhachev Khabib

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching style continues to shape the future of MMA as he guides the next generation of champions, including Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov, who are both set in title matches at UFC 311.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Going to Be a Ball Of Nerves Come UFC 311: ‘He’s going to Be a Wreck’ Says Coach

Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Going to Be a Ball Of Nerves Come UFC 311: 'He's going to Be a Wreck' Says CoachUFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is going to have his work cut out for him on January 18. While ‘The…

Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Going to Be a Ball Of Nerves Come UFC 311: 'He's going to Be a Wreck' Says Coach

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is going to have his work cut out for him on January 18.

While ‘The Eagle’ no longer competes inside the Octagon, fight fans can regularly find him cornering the likes of reigning lightweight world champion Islam Makhachev and his cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, both of whom will be competing on the same night when the UFC returns to pay-per-view in 2025.

Emanating from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the main event of the evening will see Makhachev put his 155-pound crown on the line against the division’s top-ranked contender, Arman Tsarukyan.

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Just before Makhachev enters the cage for his fourth lightweight title defense, Umar Nurmagomedov will challenge bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. It will be the Georgian’s first time defending the 135-pound belt since claiming it via a dominant decision win over ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley in September.

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During a recent interview with The Schmo, longtime Khabib Nurmagomedov coach and American Kickboxing Academy founder Javier Mendez expects it to be a mentally draining weekend for ‘The Eagle’ as he looks to lead both his fighters to the biggest wins of their respective careers.

“It’s going to be really busy for him mentally because he has to deal with, you know, two of his brothers that he loves to death—one is his cousin, and one is Islam, who he’s been training with since childhood,” Mendez said. “So for him, it’s going to be a ball of nerves.

“For me, it’s not that bad at all because I’m used to it now. I can go right through it—no problem. He’s going to be a wreck, though.”

Mendez says everything is ‘on point’ ahead of makhachev and nurmagomedov’s big night

Offering some insight into Makhachev and Nurmagomedov’s training ahead of UFC 311, Mendez added:

“But things are great, things are fantastic. The training is fantastic. We’re on point, we’re on point. We have three more weeks of hard training, and then we’re off to Los Angeles. We’ll see what happens.”

While Makhachev is already acquainted with the bright lights of a five-round title fight, it will be an unfamiliar feeling for Umar Nurmagomedov. The undefeated star secured his first shot at UFC gold with an impressive showing against Cory Sandhagen over the summer. The win jumped him all the way up to the No. 2 spot in the rankings, setting the stage for his showdown with ‘The Machine.’

Combined, Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have won their last 32 fights.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Going to Be a Ball Of Nerves Come UFC 311: ‘He’s going to Be a Wreck’ Says Coach

Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Going to Be a Ball Of Nerves Come UFC 311: 'He's going to Be a Wreck' Says CoachUFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is going to have his work cut out for him on January 18. While ‘The…

Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Going to Be a Ball Of Nerves Come UFC 311: 'He's going to Be a Wreck' Says Coach

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is going to have his work cut out for him on January 18.

While ‘The Eagle’ no longer competes inside the Octagon, fight fans can regularly find him cornering the likes of reigning lightweight world champion Islam Makhachev and his cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, both of whom will be competing on the same night when the UFC returns to pay-per-view in 2025.

Emanating from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the main event of the evening will see Makhachev put his 155-pound crown on the line against the division’s top-ranked contender, Arman Tsarukyan.

Gd wWTRXkAARmIj 6

Just before Makhachev enters the cage for his fourth lightweight title defense, Umar Nurmagomedov will challenge bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. It will be the Georgian’s first time defending the 135-pound belt since claiming it via a dominant decision win over ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley in September.

gettyimages 2188607358 612x612 1

During a recent interview with The Schmo, longtime Khabib Nurmagomedov coach and American Kickboxing Academy founder Javier Mendez expects it to be a mentally draining weekend for ‘The Eagle’ as he looks to lead both his fighters to the biggest wins of their respective careers.

“It’s going to be really busy for him mentally because he has to deal with, you know, two of his brothers that he loves to death—one is his cousin, and one is Islam, who he’s been training with since childhood,” Mendez said. “So for him, it’s going to be a ball of nerves.

“For me, it’s not that bad at all because I’m used to it now. I can go right through it—no problem. He’s going to be a wreck, though.”

Mendez says everything is ‘on point’ ahead of makhachev and nurmagomedov’s big night

Offering some insight into Makhachev and Nurmagomedov’s training ahead of UFC 311, Mendez added:

“But things are great, things are fantastic. The training is fantastic. We’re on point, we’re on point. We have three more weeks of hard training, and then we’re off to Los Angeles. We’ll see what happens.”

While Makhachev is already acquainted with the bright lights of a five-round title fight, it will be an unfamiliar feeling for Umar Nurmagomedov. The undefeated star secured his first shot at UFC gold with an impressive showing against Cory Sandhagen over the summer. The win jumped him all the way up to the No. 2 spot in the rankings, setting the stage for his showdown with ‘The Machine.’

Combined, Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have won their last 32 fights.

271650905 314238407380772 7173489914144762310 n 2.jpg.optimal

Chris Curtis Accuses UFC Vegas 101 Opponent Of Underhanded Tactics: ‘Couple Weeks Ago, 2 Russians Show Up…’

It seems that Roman Kopylov is doing everything he can to gain an advantage over Chris Curtis ahead of their middleweight clash at UFC Vegas 101 next month. MMA’s leading promotion will kick off its schedule for 2025 with a UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas on Jan. 11, where Kopylov and […]

It seems that Roman Kopylov is doing everything he can to gain an advantage over Chris Curtis ahead of their middleweight clash at UFC Vegas 101 next month.

MMA’s leading promotion will kick off its schedule for 2025 with a UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas on Jan. 11, where Kopylov and Curtis make up one of the undercard matchups.

Both men will no doubt be keen to start the new year on the front foot with a victory, but the Russian appears to have gone to extreme lengths to boost his chances.

Curtis recently accused his rival of planting spies in his camp, writing on his Instagram Stories that two Russian fighters joined Xtreme Couture before leaving and linking up with Kopylov upon his arrival in “Sin City.”

“Couple weeks ago, 2 Russians show up looking to be part of the team,” Curtis wrote. “After 2 weeks they vanish as soon as Kopylov comes to town and are now training together. Scumbag move Kopylov.”

Whether or not the pair’s insight into Curtis’ preparation will aid Kopylov remains to be seen.

But the incident will likely add some extra heat to this bout, which is among those setting the stage for the main event rematch between strawweight contenders Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas.

Chris Curtis Accuses UFC Vegas 101 Opponent Of Underhanded Tactics: ‘Couple Weeks Ago, 2 Russians Show Up…’

It seems that Roman Kopylov is doing everything he can to gain an advantage over Chris Curtis ahead of their middleweight clash at UFC Vegas 101 next month. MMA’s leading promotion will kick off its schedule for 2025 with a UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas on Jan. 11, where Kopylov and […]

It seems that Roman Kopylov is doing everything he can to gain an advantage over Chris Curtis ahead of their middleweight clash at UFC Vegas 101 next month.

MMA’s leading promotion will kick off its schedule for 2025 with a UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas on Jan. 11, where Kopylov and Curtis make up one of the undercard matchups.

Both men will no doubt be keen to start the new year on the front foot with a victory, but the Russian appears to have gone to extreme lengths to boost his chances.

Curtis recently accused his rival of planting spies in his camp, writing on his Instagram Stories that two Russian fighters joined Xtreme Couture before leaving and linking up with Kopylov upon his arrival in “Sin City.”

“Couple weeks ago, 2 Russians show up looking to be part of the team,” Curtis wrote. “After 2 weeks they vanish as soon as Kopylov comes to town and are now training together. Scumbag move Kopylov.”

Whether or not the pair’s insight into Curtis’ preparation will aid Kopylov remains to be seen.

But the incident will likely add some extra heat to this bout, which is among those setting the stage for the main event rematch between strawweight contenders Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas.

Ji?í Procházka Shrugs Off Jamahal Hill’s Trash Talk Ahead Of UFC 311: ‘My Actions Will Talk’

Ji?í Procházka doesn’t appear to be in the mood to entertain Jamahal Hill’s attempts at getting under his skin ahead of their upcoming bout. Procházka is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown with Hill at UFC 311, scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Both Procházka and Hill are coming off […]

Ji?í Procházka doesn’t appear to be in the mood to entertain Jamahal Hill’s attempts at getting under his skin ahead of their upcoming bout.

Procházka is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown with Hill at UFC 311, scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Both Procházka and Hill are coming off devastating knockout defeats at the hands of reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira in their last Octagon appearances. Since their bout was booked, “Sweet Dreams” has made some bold comments about the Czech fighter’s style. Hill went so far as to compare their losses to Pereira, claiming that while he was caught accidentally at UFC 300, Procházka was “done bad” at UFC 303.

During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, “Denisa” mentioned that he’s aware of Hill badmouthing him but has no intention of responding in kind to the American’s antics.

“I don’t care what he’s saying because it’s not just primarily about me, it just shows what what is in his head,” Procházka said. “Man, I don’t care about what other people say about me because when you know how this works, how to work the mental of the human body, so how people can speak about others and why they speak about others, especially when he don’t know me personally. He knows just my fighting style and in that, he’s totally out with his commentary.”

Procházka went on to explain why he chooses not to engage in trash talk, stressing that he’s more than willing to settle the score with Hill once the Octagon gates closes.

“So that’s why I don’t care about these trash talks because. Do you know how the true confident man, a real man [looks] like? He don’t know. He don’t need to say some sh*t about others, to speak about his strong sides and about the weaknesses in his opponent because he’s self-confident too much to not do that… I’m going there, I will show my best, and I will show that to all the world that I’m the best, and that’s all. My actions will talk.”

Prior to his latest defeat to Pereira in a short-notice title fight this past June, Procházka secured a second-round finish over Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 300.

Meanwhile, Hill’s loss to “Poatan” marked his return to the Octagon after a memorable title win over Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 in January 2023. “Sweet Dreams” was forced to vacate his title in July 2023 due to an injury.