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DUBAI – Javier Mendez thinks time will show that Usman Nurmagomedov is the best lightweight in MMA.
After Islam Makhachev vacated his UFC lightweight title for a move up to welterweight, Mendez still thinks the best 155-pounder is in his gym. Nurmagomedov (20-0) remained unbeaten when he defeated Paul Hughes a second time to claim the PFL lightweight title earlier this month.
As happy as Mendez was with Nurmagomedov’s performance, it’s what happened after the fight which left a mark on him more.
“He impressed the hell out of me so much after his fight, the last person I expected to be in training camp, at least being there with the guys, is Usman,” Mendez told MMA Junkie. “That’s the person I saw, four days in a row, and he was there. I go, wow. I had to acknowledge that I’m very impressed because in all the history of me coaching and having champions, rarely ever have I seen a champion come in the next time, the next time, the next time, four days in a row come to training. That just tells me he’s hungry, he’s motivated, and he’s going to prove me correct.
“I know a lot of people bash me for it, but I said before the fight that I believe because Islam is no longer involved in the lightweight division, I felt that Usman was the No. 1 in the world. I’m still holding to what I said. I don’t care what organization, I believe he’s No. 1. I really believe that, and you know what? We’ll fight anybody. We haven’t b*tched and complained about who he’s going to fight. He’s asking for the top guys. So, we’re going to keep bringing it. And for those of you who blasted me, thank you. It still motivates us.”
Nurmagomedov’s first fight with Hughes stirred controversy in the outcome. Some people still think the judges got it wrong in the rematch, with many particularly outraged at the 50-45 scorecard. Mendez pays no mind to those critics.
“Regarding scoring it for Paul Hughes, it’s ridiculous,” Mendez said. “Even he knew he didn’t win that fight. He didn’t contest it, nobody contested it. Fans probably contested it and I don’t blame them because Paul’s a great guy, he’s a great fighter. But it was clear cut that at the very, very least, he won three (rounds). I gave it 4-1. I definitely didn’t give it 50-45, but I definitely gave it 49-46.”
