Javier Mendez is well aware of the narrative heading into Khabib Nurmagomedov’s next UFC title defense. The head coach of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) hears the fan and media chatter about Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) potentially facing his toughest challenge yet against a man considered by many to be the best defensive wrestler in the division, Justin Gaethje . The two are set to clash in a title unification bout at UFC 254, which takes place Saturday on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Coach Mendez is aware Gaethje’s (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) skillset raises questions in the wrestling department for his student, with “The Highlight” having only been taken down twice in his seven-fight career with the UFC. The NCAA Division I All-American recently trained alongside UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman but, despite Gaethje’s mat credentials, Mendez says it’s hard to prepare for Nurmagomedov’s brand of high-pressure grappling.
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