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Usman Nurmagomedov has rapidly ascended as Bellator’s reigning lightweight champion, and his coach, Javier Mendez, believes he’s far from reaching his potential. Recently, Nurmagomedov shared ambitions to eventually transition to the UFC, following the footsteps of his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. However, in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Mendez hinted that Usman could surpass even Khabib and Makhachev in his career, asserting that Usman might one day be considered "pound-for-pound the greatest fighter."
Mendez lauded Nurmagomedov as the most talented fighter he's ever coached, highlighting his unique skill set and impeccable adaptability within the cage.
“He’s got all the attributes," Mendez noted, calling his athlete's fluid transitions and technical precision unlike anything he’s witnessed.
For Mendez, Nurmagomedov’s future legacy doesn’t hinge on a UFC move but rather on his continued success, wherever he decides to compete.
“If he never goes [to the UFC], great. He’s still going to be regarded as one of the great ones. He will be regarded as one of the great ones because what he does in that cage is like nobody, I’ve never seen anybody do the transitions, the movement that he does,” Mendez stated confidently.
The 26-year-old Dagestani fighter has yet to face a defeat in his professional career, amassing an 18-0 record, including two successful Bellator title defenses. His most recent victory was a clinical decision win over Alexander Shabliy in September. Though his title-winning bout against Brent Primus was overturned due to a banned substance found in a prescribed medication, Nurmagomedov’s dominance has been clear. Despite his age, Mendez sees him as a rapidly evolving talent whose prime is still ahead.
As the lightweight phenom looks to expand his career, Mendez believes Nurmagomedov’s potential to become an all-time great is independent of any promotional move. Whether he remains in Bellator, joins the UFC, or even enters the PFL, Mendez is confident Usman will leave a legendary mark in MMA.
“He’s unbelievable, and he’s only 26, he’s only getting better,” Mendez said, adding that wherever Usman competes, his success is virtually guaranteed.
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