Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach Has a Surprise Mandatory Pick For Lightweight Title Contention
Follow Us
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Head Coach Javier Mendez spoke to Submission Radio following the lightweight champion’s third successful title defense. ‘The Eagle’ laid waste to Justin Gaethje who was looking to unify his interim championship. Justin fell unconscious in the second round due to a Triangle choke by the undisputed champion.
Khabib Nurmagomedov showed new facets to his game not seen thus far in his now 29 fight career. He was highly effective off his back and peppered Gaethje with a lethal jab. It was clear that ‘The Highlight’ was outgunned and outclassed as the writing was on the wall with the finish. Khabib now improves to 29-0 and surprisingly decided to walk away from the sport.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Dagestani fighter laid down his gloves in the octagon and expressed his decision to formally retire. This leaves the coveted 155-pound strap up for grabs by default.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach Javier Mendez lays it out
Javier Mendez put forth his pick for the contender who should fight for Khabib’s vacant strap. The American Kickboxing Head Coach felt like Dustin Poirier was the man to pick up the pieces of the 155-pound divisional landscape.
Trending
Desperate to Escape Dubai, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Gets Unexpected Offer for Help After Gervonta Davis’ Claims on Hostage Situation
April 30, 2024 07:23 PM EDT
How Did Francis Ngannou’s Son Die? All We Know So Far About 15-Month-Old Kobe’s Death
April 30, 2024 12:32 PM EDT
3 Words Conor McGregor Has for Lorenzo Fertitta’s $45,000 Gift After Dana White Shout-Out and Iconic Moments for UFC
May 01, 2024 02:20 PM EDT
Threatened for Half Of His Wealth by Ex-Girlfriend, Israel Adesanya Refuses to Hold Back in “Future Wife” Confession
April 24, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
UFC Rankings: Stipe Miocic Slips Further Away From Jon Jones, Charles Oliveira Receives Disappointing News in HW and P4P Update Respectively
April 30, 2024 02:40 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“100% Dustin. He’s proven that he’s number one and he’s proven that whoever he fights should fight for the title. That’s my opinion. I think Dustin, in my eyes, he’s the lone guy. He fought Khabib for the title, he lost to Khabib but he rebounded back with a great win over Tony and Tony was the number one contender for the title with Khabib and unfortunately, that fight will never happen now.”
“I think hands down it has to be Dustin. I think anybody who fights for the title and it doesn’t include Dustin is a tragedy, it’s a shame. He deserves it more than anybody.”
Although Coach Mendez was factually incorrect in saying that Dustin and Tony Ferguson fought, there’s no doubt he’s a deserving contender. Chiefly, ‘The Diamond’ bounced back from his UFC 242 loss to Khabib by impressively dismantling Dan Hooker earlier in the year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“In my eyes, it’s legit”
Additionally, Javier Mendez also spoke out on whether Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor would be a worthy match-up for UFC gold.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Well 100 % (Dustin and Conor fighting for a world title). Conor was dominant in his last performance regardless of what weight it was and Conor is still a top guy. Anybody in the top 5, as long as it involves Dustin in my opinion, it’s a world title. In my eyes, it’s legit. So Dustin fighting anybody in the top 5 is a legit title.”
Dustin Poirier has managed to remain in the mix at lightweight with multiple wins over former champions. The UFC could potentially look to make UFC 256 in January of 2020 a title fight match-up due to the high-stakes nature of the fight.