Chimaev is thrilled to confirm his UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
With just a few days to go before the duel against Sean Strickland , members of Khamzat Chimaev 's team revealed details of the champion's preparation and pointed out the Russian's physical, mental and technical evolution before his first middleweight title defense (up to 83,9 kg) at UFC 328 , scheduled for this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA).
The statements were released in the third episode of the event's 'Embedded' series, published by UFC Brazil. According to the coaches, Chimaev arrives at the fight in a more mature phase of his career, with greater emotional control and a training camp considered one of the best ever undertaken by the athlete.
“Today Khamzat is more mature. We found a place where we could enjoy the journey, and that became very clear. He turned the page, and that made everyone's job easier, including his,” said Alan Nascimento, one of Chimaev's coaches.
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Another team member, Joakim Karlsson, reinforced that the champion is arriving in top physical condition for the fight against Strickland. According to him, in addition to the composure shown during training, Chimaev maintains his conditioning as one of his main weapons for the five-round contest.
“What I saw today is that he’s very calm. He’s great, in great shape. His cardio is on point. He always arrives well prepared,” Karlsson said in the third episode of the UFC 328 'Embedded' series.
Training partner of the champion, Pat Downey also praised the Russian's performance during the camp and even took the opportunity to taunt his American rival. The wrestler stated that Chimaev is extremely fast in transitions and ready to impose his game in the main event of UFC 328.
“He’s my best training partner and that makes perfect sense. Working with him is the kind of camp where I train as much as he does, maybe even more. He’s very sharp. He’s getting into positions very quickly. His transitions were incredible today. He’s exactly how we want him for fight day.”
"I like good people. Chimaev is a good guy. As for Sean (Strickland)... I'm not a fan of his. So, if you want to see a top-level fight, don't miss it on Saturday, May 9th. 'And it continues...' (alluding to Chimaev remaining champion)," said Downey.
Khamzat Chimaev himself also commented on the preparation. The champion, who completed ten weeks of training in Los Angeles before finishing his camp at Big Bear Lake, expressed confidence in retaining his middleweight title.
“A lot of training. Ten weeks in Los Angeles and another two weeks in Big Bear Lake. Making the most of everything to arrive sharp. I love my job: making money, being happy, and destroying some people. How can I not be happy with this job?” said the Russian.
A battle beyond the belt.
The main event of UFC 328 still carries a personal rivalry between the athletes. Former training partners at Xtreme Couture, Chimaev and Strickland have become enemies in recent years and arrive at the confrontation surrounded by tension behind the scenes. The relationship began to deteriorate over time and, since then, they have exchanged public criticisms, with the two becoming declared rivals.
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