Morning Report: Javier Mendez calls Bellator’s Usman Nurmagomedov doubtlessly ‘pound-for-pound the best fighter’

Usman Nurmagomedov is already Bellator’s finest, and if his coach is to be believed, his ceiling is far, a lot increased.

Lately, Nurmagomedov stated he’s focusing on a transfer to the UFC sooner or later, to observe within the footsteps of cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov and present UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, two of his coaching companions. In an interview with Crimson Nook MMA, Usman’s coach Javier Mendez was requested if he sees the fighter surpassing Khabib and Makhachev’s accomplishments and he answered with glowing reward for the Bellator light-weight titleholder.

“So far as passing the torch, I see Usman as being pound-for-pound the best fighter, myself,” Mendez stated. “He’s acquired all of the attributes. He’s essentially the most gifted I’ve ever skilled. With reference whether or not he ever goes to UFC or not, I don’t know if it’s going to matter so long as he retains exhibiting individuals how nice he’s. So, to me, if at one level he by no means goes, nice. He’s nonetheless going to be considered one of many nice ones. He’ll, you watch.

“He might be considered one of many nice ones as a result of what he does in that cage is like no person, I’ve by no means seen anyone do the transitions, the motion that he does.”

Nurmagomedov is but to be defeated in 18 professional bouts and has hardly ever been threatened within the cage, along with his most up-to-date win being a methodical unanimous resolution nod over Alexander Shabliy this previous September. He has efficiently defended his Bellator championship twice (this doesn’t embrace title struggle win over Brent Primus that was overturned to a no-contest when Nurmagomedov later examined constructive for a banned substance, which was attributed to a prescription drug).

In Mendez’s eyes, Nurmagomedov is nowhere close to his prime and irrespective of the place he finally ends up preventing for the remainder of his profession, he believes Dagestan native has the potential to be a legend.

“He’s unbelievable, and he’s solely 26, he’s solely getting higher,” Mendez stated. “Let’s see what occurs, however you by no means know. He could also be a PFL fighter, a Bellator fighter the remainder of his profession and, for me, I’m glad about that as a result of he’ll be a profitable one. So wherever he goes it’s going to be a hit.”

Deal With It. Stipe Miocic couldn’t care much less about any criticism of his struggle with Jon Jones at UFC 309.

Mailbag. Did Brandon Moreno deserve a bonus at UFC Edmonton? Did Rose Namajunas make a tactical error? What’s the ceiling for Erin Blanchfield? Jed Meshew has acquired you coated.

Trilogy. Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway have each talked about it, is it time for one final dance?

Therapeutic. Khalil Rountree Jr. is wanting a lot better a month after his brutal loss to Alex Pereira.

WTF. Referee fully off the ball as fighter is rendered unconscious by a Von Flue choke.

Angela Hill and Jessica Penne react to UFC Edmonton.

Good Man/Unhealthy Man.

Epilogue.

Have a good time UFC Vegas 100 because the MMA Gods supposed.

I suppose you can get hyped for UFC 309, too, by watching Jon Jones bulldoze a dude. No matter.

Extreme MMA. Looking forward to Irish star Ian Machado Garry’s pivotal matchup with Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa.

Poatan.

Getting feisty.

Menacing.

Now’s the time on Sprockets once we dance.

Calling his shot.

Yup, that is nonetheless taking place.

To not sufferer blame right here, however you order one thing from a Diaz brother…

Nate Landwehr (18-5) vs. Doo Ho Choi (15-4-1); UFC 310, Dec. 7

If you happen to’re studying this and also you’re within the U.S., be sure to vote right this moment!

If you happen to discover one thing you’d wish to see within the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and tell us about it. Additionally, observe MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Fb.