Sherdog’s Top 10: Current Corners

---

1. Firas Zahabi | Tristar Gym

Much like the fighters he trains, Zahabi is exceptionally well-rounded. He has built an excellent organizational structure around Tristar Gym, with housing for fighters from outside the area, strong relationships with specialists in nutrition and strength training and a knack for bringing in suitable sparring partners. Fundamental technique is a strength for Zahabi’s fighters, especially in wrestling, and it is rare to spot a significant mechanical flaw in a Tristar product. Zahabi has also begun to build a track record as a coach who develops young talent, with up-and-comers such as Olivier Aubin-Mercier, John Makdessi and Elias Theodorou coming to him for coaching.

Zahabi and the Tristar stable of coaches really stand out in two ways, however, that separate them from the rest of the pack. First, Zahabi’s work in the corner is exceptional, and he has the ability to both sense his fighter’s mood and adjust while still providing relevant technical advice. Second, and far more important, Zahabi is the best game planner in all of MMA, with a long track record of success in huge fights and a true gift for unraveling the complex puzzles that top-level competition presents. More than any other coach, Zahabi understands how to not only exploit the opponent’s weaknesses but also take away his strengths.

To give a concrete example, Georges St. Pierre’s profusion of jabs -- everything from probing flickers to powerful, damaging jolts -- against Josh Koscheck served both to bust up the challenger’s face beyond all recognition and also remove the threat of Koscheck’s right hand by covering the champion’s movement. Rory MacDonald’s use of the fence against Tyron Woodley and his combination counterpunching against Tarec Saffiedine were both gorgeous examples of the effectiveness of proper game planning.

Zahabi does everything required of a coach, and he does it all well.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Pat Miletich (Miletich Fighting Systems), John Crouch (MMA Lab), Marc Laimon (Team Takedown), Henri Hooft (Blackzilians)