Khabib Nurmagomedov’s head coach Javier Mendez believes Tony Ferguson is his fighters’ toughest test to date. The acclaimed coach also says Ferguson is a tougher stylistic match-up than Conor McGregor.

Nurmagomedov and Ferguson are scheduled to fight at UFC 209 for the UFC Interim Lightweight Championship, but regardless of the outcome, Mendez remains uncertain of McGregor’s future plans.

The AKA head coach joined this week’s Talking Brawls podcast on Severe MMA to talk about the upcoming match up and permutations that surround the lightweight division.

“For us, Tony Ferguson is stylistically ‘by far’ the tougher fighter. Conor poses a stand up threat, poses no threat on the ground. Tony poses a threat everywhere. So, stylistically Tony poses a bigger threat for us, and actually for Conor, Tony poses a lot of dangers, too.”

The San Jose native has much admiration for Ferguson and believes no fighter should underestimate “El Cucuy” due to of his vast repertoire of skills.

“You need to give that man respect, he’s very dangerous. I would never disrespect him. He is a very dangerous opponent. “

Mendez says his team will leave no stone unturned in preparation for Ferguson

“We’re going to be 100% prepared for all the elements Tony is going to bring, in all areas. It would be foolish not to. He’s not a normal guy; he’s a little taller, he’s more proficient.”

The former World kickboxing Champion says McGregor’s desire is money, and believes the undisputed champion has no desire to fight Khabib at the moment, because it isn’t the big money fight but Mendez believes that will change, after his fighter makes a further statement on March 4th in Las Vegas.

“Once Khabib beats Tony, like we are planning. I think the desire to fight Khabib will be very strong, because the fans will want it. Lets face it, it’s what Conor’s been in the business for, pay-per-view numbers. He’s the pay-per-view king of all time.

Nurmagomedov is unbeaten in his MMA career, going 24-0 in the process. Mendez believes no one in the World has the capability of derailing that record. Again stating his fighter’s grappling ability will outweigh anything anybody throws his way.

“No, nothing has changed. Like I’ve always said, you can beat Khabib’s wrestling? Then ok, you’ve got a chance to beat him. If you cannot, you’re not going to beat him, and I still say that. I’ve said that since 2012, and still for me to this day I say that. Maybe it’s because he’s my kid and I’m training him but I really and truly believe that. I see it in and out, him destroying people who you think he couldn’t destroy, and he does. “

You can listen to the full interview below:

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Niall McGrath and Petesy Carroll are joined by head coach of AKA Javier Mendez on this week’s episode of Talking Brawls to talk about Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson, Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, Luke Rockhold and more.

Niall and Petesy also preview UFC Denver, talk Bellator 170, Tyron Woodley, fan question and more.

Javier Mendez starts at approx 49 mins in