Khabib and Umar Nurmagomedov they are cousins. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Responsible for sharpening Khabib's arsenal and Umar Nurmagomedov, Javier Mendez had the difficult obligation of comparing the best qualities of his pupils in the MMA department. Although the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) has already retired, the coach continues to praise the athlete's technical ability when it comes to domination in grappling.
“Well, as far as skills go at this point in their careers, that’s a tough question. I would say that Khabib's ground game is still top notch. Umar's ground fighting is great, but Khabib was on another level, but then again, Khabib's standup wasn't on the same level as Umar's. But, when it comes to the mental part, the mental part is quite comparable”, declared the coach in an interview with 'The Schmo'.
By continuing his speech, Javier highlighted Khabib's ability to resist blows, but balanced the mental part of the athletes.
“Khabib's chin is made of granite, I've never seen anyone have a chin like Khabib's. Umar has a great chin, as he proved in the last fight when he was taken down and managed to try the takedown when he was being taken down, but I think the chin level would have to go to Khabib, but the mental toughness, I think they are very equal , mental toughness. I mean, Umar is a difficult customer,” he concluded.
Khabib (left), Abdulmanap (center) and Umar Nurmagomedov in training. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @umar_nurmagomedov
In a great phase in the UFC, Umar became second in the bantamweight rankings (up to 61,2kg) after defeating Cory Sandhagen in last appearance. The expectation is that the athlete will compete for the title against the winner of Sean O'Malley x Merab Dvalishivli.
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