Khabib Nurmagomedov has always been known for his fierce competitive spirit. Even in retirement, he’s bringing that same intensity to his coaching. A recent video clip of Khabib instructing his fighters has set the MMA world abuzz.
In the footage, Khabib can be heard telling his gym partners to “try to kill your opponent.” Now, before anyone starts panicking, let’s put this in context. This is classic fighter talk, emphasizing the need for total domination in the octagon.
He dictated the pace of the session in the video and instructed the fighters to give it their all. The mental fortitude required to keep going after one is tired is exactly what he is trying to teach.
Nurmagomedov‘s words carry weight in the MMA community. His undefeated record speaks volumes. When he says “kill,” he means overwhelm, dominate, and leave no doubt about who’s the better fighter. This mindset served him well throughout his career.
This kind of talk isn’t uncommon in combat sports. Fighters often use intense language to psych themselves up. It’s part of the mental game. Still, hearing it from Khabib hits differently. The guy was a human steamroller in the cage.
Coach Javier Mendez Recalls Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Passion In Islam Makhachev’s Corner At UFC 302
UFC 302 saw an absolute banger fight. But the real drama was unfolding just outside the cage, where a certain retired champion is causing quite a stir. Nurmagomedov was perched in the corner as a coach. Islam Makhachev was in the thick of battle, and well, ‘The Eagle’ was not exactly the picture of calm.
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Javier Mendez, the veteran coach, spilled the beans on Khabib’s corner antics. He paints a vivid picture of the former champ going “crazy” ringside. It’s a side of Khabib we rarely saw during his fighting days.
“I had Khabib in the corner going crazy on me. Like, I forgot how crazy he is in the corner, so nuts man. I’m like, I’m trying to calm him down and say hey, don’t worry, don’t worry, just scream loud but, ‘No coach, I have…’ but that’s his style, that’s his dad’s style, that’s his style. The commission kept yelling at us, ‘Sit down! Sit down! Sit down!’ But Khabib’s an unbelievable corner, he gives unbelievable advice,” said Mendez via his Podcast.
This corner chaos wasn’t just a one-off spectacle. It’s a glimpse into Khabib’s coaching style. Mendez describes it as reminiscent of Khabib’s father’s approach. Like father, like son, as they say.
Also Read: Tony Ferguson Rages At Khabib Nurmagomedov After ‘Lucky Punch’ Remark