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Khamzat Chimaev will challenge for the UFC middleweight title belt currently held by Dricus Du Plessis on August 16 at UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago. It will be the undefeated Chechen’s first shot at a UFC title and the biggest fight of his career so far.
For the big test, Chimaev has invited top-ranked lightweight challenger Arman Tsarukyan to his training camp. Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the title in January at UFC 311, but pulled out of the bout just a day early due to alleged back problems. He has remained active in grappling matches since then, but there has been no confirmation from the UFC about his next fight.
In an interview with Red Corner MMA, the Russian-Armenian fighter explained how he can help Chimaev prepare for the biggest fight of his career, despite the fact that the two are two weight classes apart:
- In the run-up to the fight, it's important to avoid injuries. I'm lighter than him so we can grapple, just to warm him up. Plus, it's just about being part of the team and helping him out in any way I can.
- I have a flight to the US now, and then when I get back, I'll join his camp and we'll go back to the US together. Whatever knowledge I have, I'll share with him, just like he does with me. That's how we train.
This will be a real test for both fighters
Tsarukyan could certainly be of great help to this fighter, especially when we know that the Armenian is one of the best UFC fighters, regardless of category. On the other hand, Khamzat is aware that he has an important challenge ahead of him, he wants to choose a sparring partner who can be of great help to him.
As Tsarukyan already said, this will be a great test for both of them and an opportunity to learn something new.
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