Javier Mendez Warns Conor McGregor Will Never Be Khabib’s Friend. Is this a warning for the upcoming fight between the two

Javier Mendez, the renowned coach behind UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov and current UFC Lightweight Islam Makhachev, has reignited his infamous rivalry with MMA megastar Conor McGregor. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Mendez holds nothing back when discussing McGregor’s fall from grace in recent years and his diminished value in the UFC. Mendez doesn’t mince words as he critiques McGregor’s controversial legal battle and his impact on the sport.

Conor McGregor’s Diminished UFC Value: A Harsh Reality

“McGregor’s value to the UFC has dropped considerably,” Mendez says. He attributes this decline to the civil lawsuit McGregor recently lost, which has tarnished the Irish star’s reputation. “Once you get caught in situations like that, you lose much of what you had,” Mendez warns, pointing to the downfall of Mike Tyson as a cautionary tale. The UFC, according to Mendez, doesn’t depend on any single fighter. “The UFC is a machine in itself,” he adds, emphasizing that the promotion has continued to thrive without relying on McGregor’s star power.

Mendez Stands Firm: “Team Khabib Till I Die”

When asked about his relationship with McGregor, Mendez is clear: “I’m Team Khabib till I die.” While he insists he doesn’t hold a grudge, Mendez makes it known that there is no love lost between him and McGregor. “I’m not going to make an effort to speak to the man,” he asserts. His loyalty to Khabib remains unwavering, even if the two fighters were to eventually settle their differences. For Mendez, there is no scenario where he and McGregor will ever be friends.

Conor in Paul Hughes’ Corner: Motivation or Distraction?

Mendez is also cautious about Conor McGregor’s involvement in Paul Hughes’ corner when Hughes faces Usman Nurmagomedov in Bellator on January 25. While McGregor’s presence might be a motivational boost, Mendez stresses that Usman must stay focused on his opponent, not McGregor. “The most dangerous guy in the cage is the one standing across from you,” Mendez emphasizes. For him, the focus should always remain on the fight, not the distractions outside it.

The UFC Doesn’t Need McGregor— It’s Bigger Than One Fighter

When it comes to McGregor’s importance to the UFC, Mendez is firm: “The UFC never needed him.” He praises the promotion’s ability to sell out events and continue growing its brand, regardless of which fighters are featured. “The UFC is a mega-machine,” he says, reinforcing the notion that it has always been the promotion that drives the sport’s success, not any individual fighter.

Conor McGregor’s Comeback: Will He Roar Back or Fade Into Oblivion?

Mendez also touches on McGregor’s future after the legal setbacks that have rocked his career. “McGregor is angry right now,” Mendez says, suggesting that the fighter may be eager to make a comeback and prove his worth. However, Mendez is cautious about McGregor’s return, noting that “it’s hard to just come back after so much time away.” McGregor, with his wealth and personal struggles, faces a crossroads: does he fade away or make a triumphant return to the cage?

In this exclusive interview, Mendez pulls no punches in revealing his thoughts on McGregor’s future, his loyalty to Khabib, and the ongoing rivalry that continues to fuel the drama of MMA. With tensions still high, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Team Khabib and Conor McGregor will never die.