In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Javier Mendez, the legendary head coach of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), spoke with unreserved admiration for Khamzat Chimaev. Known for producing champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, Mendez is no stranger to training world-class fighters. He openly shared his view on Chimaev’s potential, comparing him to two of the most formidable athletes in MMA.

Reflecting on Chimaev’s unique style and talent, Mendez said, “I think they’re the same level, but they’re different [styles]… They’re not the same fighter. They’re just different, just like Khabib and Islam – they’re the same level but they’re different, and Khamzat’s different.” This distinction is particularly intriguing, as it places Chimaev in an elite category while acknowledging the individuality that defines each of these fighters.

An Emerging Star with a Unique Approach

The Swedish-Chechen fighter has blazed through the UFC middleweight division, amassing fans and momentum at an unprecedented rate. His intensity in the cage has led many, including Mendez, to see him as a potential future champion. While many fans are clamoring for Chimaev to leapfrog contender Sean Strickland and face middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis directly, Mendez remains focused on Chimaev’s raw capabilities.

“He’s different,” Mendez continued, emphasizing how Chimaev brings his own brand of combat. This style has proven devastating for opponents, and Mendez believes that this unpredictability is part of what makes Chimaev so dangerous. “He’s got his own thing… it’s something special, just like Khabib and Islam each have something special.”

Khamzat’s Championship Path

Mendez’s comments couldn’t come at a more critical time in the UFC middleweight division. Dricus du Plessis, who recently claimed the middleweight title by defeating Sean Strickland via split decision, has publicly expressed his own interest in fighting Chimaev. Fans see this as a must-watch matchup, with du Plessis recognizing that a bout with Chimaev could set the stage for an electrifying showdown.

As for Mendez, he seems assured of Chimaev’s readiness for the biggest fights. “You don’t see a lot of guys who can do what Khamzat does,” Mendez added, pointing to Chimaev’s incredible athleticism and fight IQ. For Mendez, it’s not just about Chimaev’s record; it’s about how he achieves those victories.

A Champion in the Making?

Many believe that Chimaev’s aggressive style and adaptability in the octagon set him apart as a potential future champion. Mendez, a man who has built champions in the past, clearly sees something in Chimaev that reminds him of the journeys of both Khabib and Islam, albeit in Chimaev’s own distinctive way.

“People always want to compare,” Mendez reflected, “but really, it’s about what each of these guys brings as individuals. They’re on the same level, sure, but it’s their differences that make each one of them so powerful.”

With Mendez’s endorsement and Chimaev’s already stellar performances, the prospect of seeing Chimaev face off with the likes of du Plessis or even eventually challenging for a title seems more likely than ever. For fans, fighters, and coaches alike, one thing is certain: Chimaev is a force to be reckoned with in today’s MMA landscape.