Coach ends speculations on Khabib’s debated MMA exit: “One thing people don’t understand …”

“The Eagle” Khabib Nurmagomedov. Photo: Per Häljestam – USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this year, MMA fans and experts speculated if Khabib Nurmagomedov would step away from MMA for good after he didn’t corner Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. Nurmagomedov’s reason for not going to Australia for the fight against Alexander Volkanovski was the desire to spend more time with his family.

However, AKA head coach Javier Mendez recently revealed that Nurmagomedov is still a big part in his teammates’ training camps and preparations.

“One thing people don’t understand, he never said he wouldn’t coach people. He said he’s not going to be in the corner and travel to fight camps because he’s spending time with his family, never said he wouldn’t come and visit here and there and train the guys. He has never said none of that,” Mendez recently told The Schmo.

Read more: Confident Amir Albazi expects title shot in Abu Dhabi: “I know I’m next”

Hopes that Khabib Nurmagomedov will come back

The AKA coach still hopes Khabib Nurmagomedov will find time to corner his teammates in the future.

“He’s still holding true to everything he’s said, and he never said never either. 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, because then my job’s easier, because I hardly have to worry about anything. I just sit in the backseat and let him drive, because he’s a hell of a driver,” Mendez said.

As both Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov are expected to return to competition in 2023, maybe Javier Mendez’s wishes will come true.

Read more: Guram Kutateladze reveals reason behind canceled fight: “Stop speculation”

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