Over the past decade, one team has stood out in MMA like no other—the Dagestani powerhouse, Team Khabib Nurmagomedov. From the era of “The Eagle” to the present day, their dominance remains unmatched. Recently, Coach Javier Mendez shared his pride in being part of such a historic MMA dynasty. Ahead of the upcoming Islam Makhachev and another big fight, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for being involved in this journey, guided by the ‘Father’s Plan’ a philosophy created by Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, which continues to shape the team’s success.
For over 12 years, Mendez has worked with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team, welcoming them into his gym, American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), to contribute to their family legacy. Recently, Mendez highlighted the upcoming milestones for the team. To give context, on January 18, Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title. And maintain his status as the p4p best. In the same event, Umar is fighting in the co-main event, aiming to make history as the UFC Bantamweight Champion. And a week later, on January 25, Usman will defend his Bellator title at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Mendez emphasized the values of loyalty and the enduring legacy of the ‘Father’s Plan,’ believing the team’s dominance will continue. He said, “Loyalty is Royalty Fathers Plan legacy will prevail.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov Reflects on His Team’s Unstoppable Reign Across MMA
Javier Mendez is proud of his 12-year dominance as a coach, but Khabib Nurmagomedov finds it surreal that Dagestani fighters now dominate the lightweight divisions in UFC, Bellator, and PFL—the top three MMA promotions worldwide. This clean sweep highlights the impact of Dagestani fighters, with their wrestling-heavy style reshaping the sport and solidifying their place as one of the most dominant forces in MMA history.
This dominance stems from the solid foundation Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov built in Dagestan, emphasizing discipline, technique, and relentless training. As a result, the team now rules the division, and all eyes will be on how the three of them perform in January 2025.
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