"Khabib (29-0) and teammates like Islam Makhachev started training at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, early in their careers. While AKA California is headed by Javier Mendez, former UFC fighter Mike Swick opened up another branch of AKA in Thailand. As Thailand has evolved into an MMA hub over the years, AKA Thailand has hosted a plethora of elite UFC fighters. However, Khabib and his teammates never visited AKA Thailand."
"Khabib's father always had an issue with coming to Thailand because of the distractions, so I don't think Khabib's ever going to come, and probably Islam and the close guys with Khabib," Swick told Red Corner MMA. "We do get a lot of Dagestani guys that come to Thailand, but for some reason, his family didn't want that distraction when he was in his career. Now he is not, maybe he will come. I would love it."
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov discouraged his fighters from training in Thailand due to concerns about distractions and revelry. Khabib Nurmagomedov and teammates like Islam Makhachev trained at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California under Javier Mendez. Mike Swick opened an AKA branch in Thailand that has hosted numerous elite UFC fighters as Thailand became an MMA hub. Many Dagestani fighters do travel to Thailand, but Abdulmanap kept Khabib and his inner circle away during Khabib's active career. With Khabib retired, Swick expressed hope that Khabib might visit AKA Thailand now.
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