Javier Mendez reflects on Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's legacy in heartfelt tribute: "The best coach I ever met"

Javier Mendez recently paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov with an Instagram post. Despite being one of the most renowned MMA mentors in the world, Mendez didn't shy away from hailing Abdulmanap, as the "best coach" ever.

Mendez is one of the few who has coached Khabib Nurmagomedov apart from his father, Abdulmanap. In his Instagram post, the AKA head praised Khabib's father for nurturing the current Bellator lightweight champ, Usman Nurmagomedov, and the UFC bantamweight star, Umar Nurmagomedov, were also products of Abdulmanap's coaching.

The AKA head honcho also penned a long appreciative note crediting the late Abdulmanap's coaching prowess. The caption to his post read:

"I had the privilege of knowing Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in 2014 2 years after Khabib started training with Me and I can confidently say he was The best Coach I ever met a remarkable human being. A true humanitarian with a beautiful heart, he embodied discipline and humility as a coach. What I admired most about him was his unwavering trust in me as a coach for his son, @khabib_nurmagomedov who was destined for greatness.

Mendez also spoke about training Khabib Nurmagomedov:

From 2012 onward, Khabib trained with me for every fight camp, and Abdulmanap’s confidence in both of us made that possible. In a world where many coaches would be protective of their talents, he freely allowed Khabib to pursue his dreams with me. He never imposed his methods on our training; instead, he trusted that we both knew what needed to be done. I often refer to this as “Father’s Plan,” a testament to his belief in our journey together.

Additionally, AKA head honcho discusses the sad demise of Abdulmanap and how his legacy will live on:

Abdulmanap was one of the greatest coach’s & great man, and I will always honor his memory. His passing due to COVID-19 was a tremendous loss, but his legacy lives on through Khabib & Me and the countless lives he touched. I carry his lessons with me and strive to uphold the values he instilled in us. Rest in peace, Abdulmanap. Your impact will never be forgotten. Your legacy of champions @khabib_nurmagomedov @islam_makhachev @gadzhi_rabadanov @usman_nurmagomedov @movlid_khaybulaev @khizriew111 and very soon @umar_nurmagomedov and many more to follow your great legacy #fathersplan"

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Javier Mendez on comparison between Khamzat Chimaev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Islam Makhachev

One of the most dominant features of the fighters hailing from Abdulmanap's training camp is their ground game. Javier Mendez bears testimony to this as he has watched them conquer multiple rivals with their ground game.

But Mendez also rated Khamzat Chimaev as one of the most elite wrestlers on the current UFC roster. In a previous interview with Red Corner MMA, Mendez mentioned that Khabib, Makhachev, and Chimaev have different styles of using their wrestling. But he rated all of them with the same grade, depending on the formidability of their ground game. Mendez said:

"I think they’re at the same level, but they’re different. They’re not the same fighters; they’re just different, like Khabib and Islam. They’re on the same level, but they each bring something unique. Khamzat is different—he’s not Islam, he’s not Khabib, he’s Khamzat. So, I would rate his ground skills as A+. A+ for Islam, A+ for Khabib, but they’re all distinct. In my book, they’re all A+."

Check out Javier Mendez's comments below (11:57):