Khabib’s Coach Doesn’t See Tough Challenge From Justin Gaethje

Khabib’s coach doesn’t see how former WSOF champion Justin Gaethje brings a tough challenge to his fighter.

Khabib Nurmagomedov won’t have an issue with finding an opponent when he makes his return to action inside of the Octagon. Nurmagomedov is eligible to return this summer.

This comes after getting his suspension from the NSAC following his actions in the UFC 229 brawl. The only problem is that Khabib has indicated he won’t compete until the one-year suspensions issued to his teammates for their roles in the brawl are complete in October.

Thus, with a stacked division calling for a shot, the UFC will have a line of competitors awaiting his return. Gaethje threw his name into the pot of possible opponents.

Nurmagomedov’s coach, Javier Mendez, reacted to Gathje pitching his name for a fight against the UFC lightweight champion. He doesn’t believe “The Highlight” has much of a chance at dethroning the champ.

“Not much,” Mendez said bluntly on Monday’s episode of The MMA Hour. “Not much, because he ain’t going to be able to stop the takedown. None of those guys can. [Nurmagomedov will] take them all down, and if they don’t have much of a ground game, they’re done.

“The only way it becomes interesting is if Khabib decides to do things. Look back on all his fights, it’s only when he decides to stand with people that it becomes a little bit trickier. I mean, he stood with Conor (McGregor) so he gave Conor a chance, and I’m begging for him, ‘Go back to father’s plan. Go back to father’s plan.’ He screws with me all the time. He did the same with Michael Johnson. I’m telling him, ‘What are you doing? Go back to father’s plan.’ Father’s plan, that’s what I call ‘just wrestle the guy, take him down and wrestle him.’ And he does that all the damn time.”