Coach: Khabib “Played The Best Poker Face” Prior to Retirement

Khabib Nurmagomedov likely dropped a lot of jaws on Saturday night, by announcing he’s walking away from the game at 29-0. But, did his longtime coach and friend Javier Mendez know what the lightweight king was planning? 

Apparently not.

Mendez was also surprised by Khabib’s retirement

Khabib took on Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Saturday, and choked out the dangerous fighter with a second-round, triangle-choke. After the impressive win, Khabib announced that he promised his mother earlier this year, following the passing of his father Abdulmanap, this would be his final fight.

For some time, Khabib had said he didn’t plan to fight that much longer. But, prior to UFC 254, the consensus was that Nurmagomedov would pursue the 30-0 mark. 

In fact, Khabib publicly talked about the possibility of fighting Georges St-Pierre in early, 2021.

Well, since UFC 254, Mendez appeared on Submission Radio. While discussing Khabib’s retirement, the American Kickboxing Academy leader reported he had no idea that was the champ’s plan (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“He played the best poker face on the planet,” Mendez said.

“I didn’t want to get him sad, because I never really got to talk to him about his father about how he felt, because it was passed and I figured, that’s in the past, I’m not bringing any of that up,” Mendez said, while discussing the fact he never talked to Khabib about retiring during his training camp.

“So all of this was a total shock to me. I’m listening to him going, ‘Oh man, father’s plan, great.’ But mother’s plan works in the end.”

So, all this makes sense. Khabib likely wanted to keep his camp focused on the task at hand: defeating Gaethje. As did Mendez.

Further, it could also be the case that Khabib didn’t want to tell too many people about his plan, as a means to avoid them trying to convince him otherwise. He also likely knew that Mendez would be asked a lot about Khabib’s next fights (which he was).

So, by keeping him in the dark about his plans, Mendez didn’t have to lie or play dumb when asked about Khabib’s future.

Mendez thinks Khabib will stay retired

Since UFC 254, there has also been a lot of talk about whether this is really it for Khabib. After all, many fighters retire and then after a little while, they get the itch to fight again.

While discussing whether he thinks Khabib’s retirement will stick, Mendez said this.

“He’s never been somebody that said something and not meant it,” Mendez said. “For me, I’d have to say that part’s done.

Anything’s possible. As much the fans and myself as a coach would love to have him back, no, I think he’s done. And you’re not going to get me to convince him otherwise.”

We shall see what happens. But, based off what people who know Khabib well are saying, it sounds like his career is likely wrapped up.