Javier Mendez Shuts Down Rumors of Khabib Nurmagomedov Return at UFC 300

While a video featuring Javier Mendez might have recently raised hopes of a Khabib Nurmagomedov UFC return, the American Kickboxing Academy coach sent those hopes crashing back to reality just as quickly.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight king bid farewell to the sport with a perfect record after defending his strap against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. There have since been numerous attempts to bring him out of retirement and several rumors of a pending return, but none have come to fruition.

Recently, a video featuring Mendez on social media sparked new rumors of a Nurmagomedov comeback. As his coach at AKA, Mendez is known to share a special bond with the former lightweight champ. In the aforementioned video, Mendez says that Nurmagomedov trains with him only when he is ready to fight and that “The Eagle” is currently training with him.

While Mendez didn’t confirm if Nurmagomedov would return, the clip was enough prompt talks of a potential return at UFC 300. However, the AKA head coach has since responded to the clip, shutting down all talk of Nurmagomedov ever competing again.

“I’m just letting you guys know that, you know, stop all this nonsense [on the internet] regarding Khabib [coming back to the UFC] and me and him training,” Mendez said in a video shared by Helen Yee. “There’s been no such thing happening. We’re not discussing training. We never have. Khabib is still devoted to what he said [about not fighting again]. He’s devoted his time to his family. He’s not working people’s corners. He’s not gonna ever fight. To my knowledge, it has never been spoken about.”