AKA head coach Javier Mendez called Conor McGregor a true warrior despite the unfortunate outcome of his return to the octagon. Mendez expressed that seeing McGregor's comeback end the way it did was something he would not wish on anyone.
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez offered a heartfelt tribute to Conor McGregor following the Irishman's long-awaited return to the octagon, which ended in injury rather than the triumphant comeback many had anticipated.
Mendez, one of the most respected voices in mixed martial arts coaching, praised McGregor as a true warrior while acknowledging the painful nature of how his night concluded. The AKA chief made clear that regardless of the result, he held nothing but admiration for McGregor's willingness to compete, adding that he would not wish such an outcome on any fighter.
McGregor, now 37 years old, carries a professional record of 22 wins and 7 losses and has long been one of the most recognizable figures in the sport. The Dubliner competes out of SBG Ireland and built his reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in UFC history, landing 5.27 significant strikes per minute at a 49 percent accuracy rate across his career. Standing five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach, the southpaw operates primarily on the feet, averaging just 0.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- McGregor's return had generated enormous attention across the combat sports world, making the injury ending a significant moment for the lightweight and welterweight divisions
- The tribute from a coach of Mendez's standing underscores the cross-promotional respect McGregor commands throughout the MMA community
- Questions about McGregor's future in the sport will inevitably follow given his age and the circumstances of this return
