Khabib v McGregor: Nurmagomedov’s coach admits ‘there is no way possible’ Russian will be ready for ‘The Notorious’
The Irishman's superior striking ability is seen as his key to usurping the undefeated UFC Lightweight champion
Khabib Nurmagomedov's coach admits 'there is no way possible' for the UFC Lightweight champion to prepare for Conor McGregor's unique striking ability.
The two will finally meet on October 6 in Las Vegas with Nurmagomedov's belt on the line, in what is being billed as the biggest MMA fight of all-time.
After several public altercations over the years, the two will end their differences in the octagon once and for all, in a fight many have billed as being a classic 'grappler-v-striker' match-up.
However, Javier Mendez believes McGregor is far more well-rounded than he is given credit for.
“To me [Conor McGregor] is the best standup guy in the whole UFC, in my opinion,” the American Kickboxing Academy head coach told Niall McGrath on the latest episode of the Eurobash podcast.
“He’s got incredible relaxation, he approaches it like a scientist, he knows how to read you, he knows how to bait you…he knows how to put you right into that trap and before you know it you’re caught sleeping.
“He’s a master, in my opinion, on the fighting arts and he’s also got a ground game — he’s good everywhere. I’m not sleeping on how great he is. I’m prepared for everything but he is a great fighter.”
Nurmagomedov is a fearsome opponent for the 30-year-old former Featherweight and Lightweight champion, with a record of 25-0 in MMA.
Many feel whoever blinks first and bows to the other's indomitable style will ultimately be rendered unconscious - be it on the ground, or standing up.
Mendez added: "There’s no amount of time that we have that’s going to help us to try and get him to stand up, there’s no way possible. So, I’m not gonna say, ‘Oh yeah, we’re gonna get him ready’… come on…wake up…it ain’t gonna work,” he said.
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“We have to fight our strengths, we have to find ways of opening the doors to where his weaknesses are and likewise. This is basically the classic grappler versus striker fight. Keep in mind that they can both grapple and they can both strike, it’s just one is better than the other at (each discipline).
“We’re the better grappler, he’s the better striker, but that doesn’t mean we won’t strike, it just means he’s better. It’s about who plays whose game.”
McGregor has not set foot in the octagon for two years since stopping Eddie Alvarez in the second round at Madison Square Garden - becoming the first man to hold two UFC belts simultaneously.
Former foe Floyd Mayweather has thrown his support behind 'The Notorious', claiming the Irishman is 'not scared, he’s a warrior.'