Javier Mendez spots Umar Nurmagomedov’s crucial mistake in KO loss

Javier Mendez, coach of Umar Nurmagomedov, was taken aback by the knockout victory of Yadong Song over his protege in the recent UFC Shanghai main event. After the bout, Mendez expressed his disbelief at Song’s uppercut finish, saying, “When it happened, my mouth just dropped... I’m like, ‘What the hell happened?’” He acknowledged his shock at the outcome, given his deep affection for Nurmagomedov.

The American Kickboxing Academy head coach then dissected the decisive moment, pointing out a critical error in Nurmagomedov’s technique. Mendez explained that it was Nurmagomedov’s improper head placement during his takedown attempt that left him vulnerable to Song’s uppercut. He elaborated, “What happened was just one of those things.

Song meant to throw that uppercut, Umar did the wrong thing when he went in for the takedown and moved his head off center, and it just caught him in the right spot in the equilibrium right back here. You get caught in the spot right there; it’s instant lights out.”

Nurmagomedov’s loss marked his second professional defeat and first via knockout, a stark contrast to his previous victories. Despite this setback, Mendez remains optimistic about his pupil’s future prospects. He expressed his belief in Nurmagomedov’s potential to claim the UFC title, stating, “In my heart, I believe 100% [that Nurmagomedov can become champion].”

He also highlighted the close nature of Nurmagomedov’s previous victory over Merab Dvalishvili last year, where the Dagestani bantamweight narrowly lost by being less active in the final round. Mendez emphasized that Nurmagomedov still needed to execute his strategy more proficiently.