Team Khabib’s Head Coach Reveals the One Fighter Who Gives Islam Makhachev His Toughest Rounds

There is no doubt that not just winning a fight, but even winning a round against Islam Makhachev is extremely hard for any fighter. From Alexander Volkanovski to Jack Della Maddalena, he has cleared everyone with ease. However, now Team Khabib’s head coach, Javier Mendez, has shared the name of a fighter who gives him a tough time during training sessions.

When Mendez was asked about who gives a tough time to Makhachev, he immediately answered, Magomed Zaynukov. He went on to talk about how well-rounded a fighter he has become despite coming from a Muay Thai background. He also recalled how ‘Chanko’ gives Makhachev some of his toughest tests.

He said, “Chanko gives Islam some really tough rounds because he’s gotten really good at defending and surviving on the ground and getting back up, or even attacking on the ground. Chanko has become the total MMA package. Don’t look at him as just a Thai boxer. He’s the total, total package. He can do it all. Chanko can do it all, and he definitely gives Islam some good battles. Yes, for sure.”