Javier Mendez No Longer Islam Makhachev’s Coach? Magomed Bagandov Training Makhachev for UFC 284

After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s exit from Islam Makhachev’s camp at UFC 284, it looks like the Dagestani fighter has seemingly parted ways with long-time coach Javier Mendez. 

On the latest episode of UFC Embedded, Javier Mendez, coach at American Kickboxing Academy, shared details about Makhachev’s training camp and ended up revealing something very interesting. 

“Islam’s camp has been going fantastic. I just joined on January 21st, is when I got here. He has been training with the team in Dagestan with a great coach he has there, head coach Magomed.” Mendez said.

Mendez revealed he joined Islam Makhachev back on January 21, prior to which he was training in Dagestan with his “head coach” Magomed Bagandov. It’s surprising to note that Javier Mendez‘s contribution to this particular title fight comes down to mere 20 days of coaching. Moreover, Magomed Bagandov is also present in Australia, where he is training Makhachev for his first title defense against Alexander Volkanovski this weekend. 

Magomed Bagandov’s association with Islam Makhachev is not new. The Dagestani coach has been helping several Dagestani fighters, including Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Abubakar Nurmagomedov among others. 

Is Khabib Nurmagomedov training Islam Makhachev for UFC 284? 

Khabib Nurmagomedov has seemingly retired from any involvement in mixed martial arts that has to do with coaching fighters. Having made champions out of Usman Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, Khabib decided to take time out to focus on his family and is not traveling with Islam Makhachev for the much anticipated UFC 284. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Magomed Bagandov (@magomedgadgi)

Not just the fact that he won’t corner his Islam in Australia, Khabib Nurmagomedov hasn’t been spotted training with the UFC Champion as well. Be that as it may, this won’t be the first time that Islam will step inside the Octagon without the Eagle by his side. 

Islam Makhachev takes on Alexander Volkanovski in his first title defense at UFc 284. The bout marks Volkanovski‘s first fight in the UFC’s lightweight division as he looks to create history by not just beating Makhachev but also getting his hands on the lightweight championship to realize his dream of becoming a two-division champion.