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Javier Mendez opens up about the extraordinary journey that took him from a bullied Mexican immigrant to becoming one of MMA's most respected coaches. With disarming honesty, he reveals how a chance encounter at a nightclub led him to martial arts and eventually to founding the legendary American Kickboxing Academy.

The conversation delves deep into Mendez's relationships with his most famous fighters. He shares intimate details about preparing Khabib Nurmagomedov for the psychological warfare against Conor McGregor, explaining, "He's going to come after your father, your country, your religion... You can't let him win." This masterful mental preparation helped Khabib remain composed while dominating one of UFC's most heated rivalries. Mendez speaks with profound respect about what Khabib taught him about loyalty, family, and generosity, noting how "the more wealth he had, the more generous he became."

Perhaps most moving is Mendez's candid discussion of Cain Velasquez's legal troubles after attacking the man who allegedly molested his son. With fatherly concern, Mendez explains the neurological factors behind Velasquez's actions while expressing unwavering support for his former champion. "He's such a beautiful person," Mendez says, confident that Velasquez will eventually turn this tragedy into something positive.

Beyond fight stories, Mendez reflects on his own identity journey—how he initially rejected his Mexican heritage due to childhood bullying, only to eventually embrace it through Cain's influence. Now, he's planning to expand AKA to Dubai, hoping to develop Emirati fighters for the world stage while continuing to work with his Russian champions.

Whether you're an MMA enthusiast or simply interested in the psychology of high-performance coaching, Mendez offers profound insights into what makes fighters great and what it takes to build champions both in and outside the cage.

Thank you for listening to this podcast you can find Javier on Instagram :

https://www.instagram.com/akajav/

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