Mendez, who trains Nurmagomedov and a host of other UFC champions at the famed American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, called this most recent training camp their worst with “The Eagle”.

Prior to camp, Khabib Nurmagomedov was already going through some tough times, especially after the tragic passing of his father and coach Abdulmanap, who succumbed due to complications from the COVID-19 virus back in July.

Once Khabib Nurmagomedov arrived in the United States for the camp, things continued to go south. As it turns out, the unbeaten Russian had a case of the mumps, which delayed his training for a couple of weeks.

Mendez added that it got so bad that Khabib Nurmagomedov needed to be hospitalized for three days.

Once Khabib Nurmagomedov was healthy enough to return to training, he went through some sparring sessions, which ultimately led to yet another setback - a broken toe.

Through it all, however, Khabib Nurmagomedov maintained his championship mentality. This gave Mendez the confidence and the belief that they would be able to come out on top.

At UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov started out slow, but eventually found his stride and ended up submitting Gaethje with a triangle choke in the second round. He successfully defended the UFC Lightweight Championship and improved his record to a spotless 29-0.

After the fight, an emotional Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from the sport of MMA.

Had Khabib Nurmagomedov lost the bout, Mendez says that none of these stories would have come out, as they would look like excuses. Fortunately for Team Khabib, the champ looked as dominant as ever, and these stories are now testaments to the will and the fortitude that “The Eagle” possesses.

Coach says Khabib Nurmagomedov was emotional before Gaethje bout because of late father’s absence

After submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, the usually stoic Khabib Nurmagomedov could not help but let out some emotion as he was once again successful in defending the UFC Lightweight Championship.

According to Mendez, Khabib Nurmagomedov was also emotional prior to the bout because of the absence of his father Abdulmanap.

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