Javier Mendez Reveals Generous Gift From Khabib Nurmagomedov

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Khabib Nurmagomedov’s kindness even extends to his fellow coaches.

American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez recently revealed yet another benevolent gesture from the former Ultimate Fighting Championship champ. During a recent episode of Mendez’s podcast, his co-host congratulated him on his new apartment.

“Thank Khabib. He got me a new apartment,” Mendez replied.

The relationship between Nurmagomedov and Mendez goes back to 2012, when the Dagestani’s father first brought him to the U.S. Mendez played a key role in shaping Nurmagomedov’s career, their relationship transcending that of just a coach and pupil. While Nurmagomedov retired from the sport in 2020, he continues to coach his cousins and teammates from Dagestan alongside Mendez.

Mendez also shared a close bond with Khabib’s father, the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Abdulmanap had envisioned his son to become a world champion and for his other pupils like Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov and Umar Nurmagomedov to follow suit. The idea which came to be known as “Father’s Plan” continues to be executed in the present day under the tutelage of Mendez and Khabib.

This isn’t the first example of Khabib’s generosity. UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev once revealed that Khabib pays for the entire team’s trips to the U.S., including renting apartments and hiring drivers.