Khabib Nurmagomedov announced that he was leaving MMA altogether a few months ago. However, he was recently seen returning to the American Kickboxing Academy and training with UFC legend Cain Velasquez, leaving fans wondering if ‘The Eagle’ was back in full swing. Meanwhile, coach Javier Mendez opened up about Nurmagomedov’s retirement status.

Nurmagomedov, at the beginning of this year, announced that he was leaving MMA to spend more time with his family. He wanted a break from the constant traveling and immense coaching duties. But video clips of him working out with ‘Cardio Cain’ confused a lot of fans.

Javier Mendez claims Khabib Nurmagomedov never left

The AKA head coach revealed that ‘The Eagle’ never stopped helping his fighters. He has constantly been in touch with them, even though he decided to stop cornering them during fights a few months ago. Mendez said, “Khabib has never left. He’s the same as he was when he said that he was going to step away from cornering.”

Javier Mendez mentioned that Nurmagomedov has been busy training his guys back in Dagestan. This is what the UFC Hall of Famer was planning all along, to spend time with his family. “He never said that he wouldn’t train the guys when they’re at home in Dagestan. He said he was going to devote his time to his family. That he is doing, and that he has done,” said the AKA coach.

‘The Eagle’ has returned to AKA to help his cousin

While many fans were wondering the reason behind Khabib Nurmagomedov’s return, Mendez cleared the air and revealed that ‘The Eagle’ was here to help out his cousin, Abubakar Nurmagomedov. He said, “He just happens to be here helping with Abubakar now, his cousin.”

However, coach Mendez has asked the fans to curb the expectations since Nurmagomedov won’t be in every fighter’s corner. He will be training with them, but there are very few chances that he might show up at their corner. Mendez added, “But don’t expect him to be in everybody’s corner and this and that. But do expect him to train these guys for life and always give them instructions and talk to them.”

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The fact that fans can’t have enough of Khabib Nurmagomedov is a testament to his success inside the Octagon. He may continue his coaching duties, but he may not return to fight again. What do you think? Drop your comments below.

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