Khabib Nurmagomedov has received a ton of backlash for his decision to withdraw from UFC 249. In a YouTube Q&A, Nurmagomedov’s coach, Javier Mendez defended his pupil’s action.

When Khabib was told that UFC 249 would take place in Abu Dhabi, he tried to move his entire camp to the UAE. However, upon learning that the UAE is closing its gates for non-citizens, Khabib traveled back home to Russia and continued his training. Unfortunately for Khabib, the Russian government imposed strict travel restrictions as well.

This did not stop people from speculating. Many claimed that Nurmagomedov could travel to the States by a private jet. The Federal Air Transport Agency supported this claim when they made an announcement that a person could certainly travel to the U.S. under certain conditions. The statement gave hope to many fans. But, Khabib decided to stay at home anyway.

Although some fans backed Khabib’s decision, many condemned it. Amidst all the criticism, coach Javier Mendez came to the aid of his student.

Javier Mendez defends Khabib Nurmagomedov

“He didn’t choose to sit it out. He just went back home and he was waiting and training and waiting for a location. So he didn’t choose to sit out anything. They couldn’t give him a location and then he couldn’t get permission.” Mendez said.

Tony Ferguson mocks Khabib Nurmagomedov in new “Tiramisu Tuesday” tweet

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Mendez mentioned that Khabib wasn’t going to get permission to travel as he did not have a location. He also backed the champion’s decision to travel to Abu Dhabi. As far as the ‘Eagle’s’ return is concerned, Mendez said:

“We may see him in August or we may see him in September. If it’s August, I believe it’s San Francisco. If it’s September, I believe it’s Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. So yeah, that’s when we’ll see it. One of those.”

Meanwhile, Mendez has not given up hopes on Khabib vs Tony. And, he wants to make sure that Khabib is better than ever.

“He’s gonna need the same amount of time to prepare because we have to respect Tony for the great champion that he is. If we don’t give him the same time, if not a little bit more, then shame on me. He’ll get the same attention, if not more because we’ll probably see him fight one more time before we meet him again.”

Recent updates suggest that the UFC will most likely move ahead with Gaethje vs Ferguson for the interim championship in May. Should Ferguson win, we might finally get to see Khabib vs Tony in the future.

What do you think will happen? Will Khabib vs Tony ever take place?