What's new at Ludus Martial Arts

We’re so proud of our team! Find out how they’ve been doing, as well as what else has been going on at our gym lately.

Coach issues warning to Justin Gaethje at UFC 254: ‘He’s taking on the master of the ground’

Javier Mendez is well aware of the narrative heading into Khabib Nurmagomedov’s next UFC title defense.

The head coach of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) hears the fan and media chatter about Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) potentially facing his toughest challenge yet against a man considered by many to be the best defensive wrestler in the division, Justin Gaethje. The two are set to clash in a title unification bout at UFC 254, which takes place Saturday on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Coach Mendez is aware Gaethje’s (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) skillset raises questions in the wrestling department for his student, with “The Highlight” having only been taken down twice in his seven-fight career with the UFC. The NCAA Division I All-American recently trained alongside UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman but, despite Gaethje’s mat credentials, Mendez says it’s hard to prepare for Nurmagomedov’s brand of high-pressure grappling.

“I know he’s working with the welterweight champion, so he does have someone good working with him, but it’s different when you’re fighting Khabib,” Mendez said on Monday’s episode of Hablemos MMA. “It’s different. Let’s see what happens, but he’s preparing well, he’s preparing with the champion and the champion is really good.”

Mendez admits there is an unknown factor with Gaethje as he hasn’t previously faced a fighter who predominately wrestles. But although unknowns may be perceived as dangerous, in this case, Mendez feels it favors Nurmagomedov.

“The thing with Justin is, when has he used wrestling?” Mendez said. “I’ve never seen it. Just to get up, but he hasn’t used the wrestling. So let’s see what happens. If we can’t get him down, we have a fight. If we get him down there’s not going to be a big problem because he doesn’t work on the ground, from what I’ve seen. If you’re not working wrestling in your fights, it’s going to be hard in your first fight given how big the fight is and that he’s taking on the master of the ground in Khabib. It’s going to be tough for him. However, if we can’t get him down, it will be hard for us.”

At the end of the day, Mendez is confident in Nurmagomedov’s ability to take the fight to the ground. The seasoned coach believes “The Eagle” can take anyone down in MMA, including Gaethje.

“He says he’s tough to take down, so let’s see what happens,” said Mendez. “I don’t think it’s going to be as hard as he thinks, but it’s possible that it’s tough to take him down. I don’t believe it will, because Khabib is a master at taking the fight to the ground. Look, if you’re an Olympic wrestler and it’s in MMA, he’ll take you down. He’s the master of this. He knows how to penetrate, how to enter with his striking, he knows. It’s different, it’s not the same.”

UFC free fight: Charles Oliveira rallies to light up Michael Chandler for first title win

Charles Oliveira proved he had championship mettle when he battled through some early adversity against Michael Chandler. Oliveira faced Chandler for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 262 in May 2021. It took “Do Bronx” 28 octagon appearances to earn his first-career title shot. Round...

Javier Mendez disagrees with Daniel Cormier’s claim that Islam Makhachev more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov

For Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev is more skilled than Khabib Nurmagomedov but not more dangerous. Daniel Cormier, who also trained under Mendez at American Kickboxing Academy, said UFC lightweight champion Makhachev is even more dangerous than former champ Nurmagomedov was during his prime. Mendez heavily disagrees. “OK, he’s more...

come and try a ludus mma class free!

We want to make sure that Ludus MMA is the right fit for you before asking you to commit to a membership.
That’s why we’d like to offer you a FREE ONE-DAY PASS to our gym.

With your FREE PASS, you can:

  • Try as many classes as you’d like,
  • Explore the facility
  • Talk to our coaches one-on-one about what you can expect as a member

© Copyright 2024 - Ludus Martial Arts - 730 Beach Blvd, Unit 105, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

(904) 374-4186 / ludusmartialarts@gmail.com