'Cain Velasquez in the bantamweight division'… Javier Mendez heaps praise on Merab Dvalishvili, but says Umar Nurmagomedov has the edge
17/09/2024 11:24
Javier Mendez has compared Merab Dvalishvili to Cain Velasquez, but still believes Umar Nurmagomedov has what it takes to beat the Georgian and relieve him of the bantamweight title.
On Saturday evening, inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, the new UFC champion produced a scintillating showing to cement his place as the number one fighter in the 135-pound division.
Javier Mendez compares Merab Dvalishvili to Cain Velasquez
Showcasing remarkable grappling skills and a phenomenal engine, Merab Dvalishvili put together a fantastic performance en route to defeating Sean O’Malley to win the belt.
‘The Machine’ ragdolled ‘Suga’ over five high-paced rounds, proving himself to be a stylistic nightmare to the man many believed could be the next megastar in the UFC.
With the 33-year-old now sitting firmly on the throne, he’s looking down on potential challengers, with Umar Nurmagomedov likely the next in line for a shot.
And the contender’s coach, Javier Mendez, believes the Russian has the edge in several areas.
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In an interview with Submission Radio, he said: “That fight looks fantastic because it’s going to be fought everywhere. It’s going to be fought in the stand-up; it’s going to be fought on the ground.
“I believe we’re sharper on the stand-up. We’re sharper on the ground.”
However, the MMA aficionado concedes that Dvalishvili has a sensational gas tank, even going as far as to compare him to one of the greatest heavyweights the sport has ever seen.
Mendez claimed: “What he has is this incredible cardio. That’s a big part that’s in his advantage. I don’t know of anybody in the bantamweight division I see that has that type of advantage.
“So, if you’re gonna go with him and it’s gonna go five rounds, you’ve got to be prepared to go five hard first rounds, because that’s what this guy is all about.
“He has got an incredible gas tank. He’s kind of like a reminder of Cain Velasquez in the bantamweight division.”
Javier Mendez compares Jon Jones to Lance Armstrong
Drawing similarities between Dvalishvili and Velasquez isn’t the only comparison the MMA coach has made in recent times.
With Dana White currently expressing his opinion that Jon Jones is the greatest fighter of all time, Mendez has given an opposing view.
He believes ‘Bones’ can’t be classed as the number one, due to his failed drugs tests.
In an astonishing rant, he compared the American’s legacy to that of Lance Armstrong.
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