Umar Nurmagomedov's coach addresses mental issues after knockout loss
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 8:20 PM
Last updated Oct 22, 2026
Umar Nurmagomedov's coach Javier Mendez aims to correct a mental oversight that contributed to Nurmagomedov's knockout loss to Song Yadong at UFC Fight Night 286. Mendez noted that Nurmagomedov tends to dip to the left under pressure, a habit not evident during training. With plans to return to the octagon against Urijah Faber on November 14, Mendez emphasizes the importance of mental readiness and believes Nurmagomedov is still a strong title contender despite recent setbacks.
- •Umar Nurmagomedov suffered a knockout loss to Song Yadong in August.
- •Coach Javier Mendez will focus on correcting Nurmagomedov's mental approach.
- •Nurmagomedov is set to fight Urijah Faber on November 14.
- •Mendez believes Nurmagomedov can still contend for the bantamweight title.
- 8:20 PMYahoo Sports — Coach: Umar Nurmagomedov needs to correct 'a mental little twitch'
"Javier Mendez hopes to prevent Umar Nurmagomedov from a tendency which led to his first knockout loss.
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