Chimaev Trains with Rockhold Ahead of UFC 328 Title Defense

Key facts

• Khamzat Chimaev is training with former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold.
• The training sessions are taking place at Santo Studio in Newport Beach, California.
• Chimaev is preparing for his UFC 328 title defense against Sean Strickland.
• Rockhold ranks Chimaev among the best training partners he has ever had.
• Rockhold believes Chimaev will be more relaxed and effective in his upcoming fight.
• Rockhold previously withdrew from a scheduled fight against Sean Strickland in 2021 due to injury.
• Rockhold describes Strickland as an overly aggressive and disrespectful training partner.

A Familiar Ground for Elite Preparation

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is becoming intimately familiar with the training regimen of current 185-pound titleholder Khamzat Chimaev. Their paths have converged at Santo Studio in Newport Beach, California, creating an unexpected hub for elite mixed martial arts talent. Chimaev, alongside UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, is honing his skills with Rockhold as he gears up for his significant title defense at UFC 328. This collaboration offers a unique glimpse into the preparation of one of the sport's most talked-about figures. Rockhold, no stranger to high-level training environments from his days at American Kickboxing Academy, brings a wealth of experience to these sessions. His assessment of Chimaev's capabilities carries considerable weight within the fighting community.

Rockhold's High Praise for Chimaev

On a recent episode of "The Ariel Helwani Show," Rockhold did not hold back in his assessment of Chimaev as a training partner. He placed the 32-year-old fighter among the very best he has ever worked with, a list that includes legendary names such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, and Islam Makhachev. "He's special," Rockhold stated, emphasizing Chimaev's raw power and unique fighting style. Rockhold believes that if Chimaev can manage his nerves and embrace his natural abilities, he will be a formidable force. He suggested that the pressure of his previous championship bout against Dricus du Plessis may have impacted his performance, but anticipates a more liberated Chimaev in his upcoming challenge.

Analyzing Chimaev's Championship Pedigree

Chimaev's dominant victory over Dricus du Plessis to claim the championship was a masterclass in control, yet it also drew criticism for its lack of flair. Rockhold attributes this to external pressures, specifically mentioning the influence of a "Chechen ruler" and the potential consequences of failing to secure the title for his homeland. The weight of expectation, Rockhold suggests, was palpable. Now a champion, Chimaev is expected to fight with a renewed sense of freedom. Rockhold anticipates a different approach in his upcoming bout, one where Chimaev can fully express his dangerous striking and grappling abilities. The key, lies in his fighter's ability to relax and trust his process.

A History with Strickland

Rockhold's perspective on Chimaev's opponent, Sean Strickland, is colored by personal history. He was slated to face Strickland in 2021 but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury. Their initial encounter during Rockhold's time at the RVCA gym left a lasting negative impression. Rockhold described Strickland as an "overly aggressive training partner" with a profound lack of respect for others, particularly on unfamiliar territory. He views Strickland's behavior as a clear manifestation of unresolved personal issues, stating, "He has no regards for human beings, especially on somebody else's turf."

Strickland's Talent vs. Chimaev's Dominance

Despite his personal disdain for Strickland's conduct, Rockhold acknowledges the fighter's considerable talent. He believes Strickland represents the most significant threat to Chimaev within the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Rockhold's assessment suggests that if Chimaev can navigate the challenge posed by Strickland, his path to further dominance, particularly at light heavyweight, could be relatively unobstructed. Rockhold's insights underscore the high stakes of UFC 328. Chimaev's ability to perform under pressure and integrate his diverse skill set will be crucial. The training with Rockhold appears designed to unlock that potential, ensuring Chimaev is as comfortable striking as he is grappling, a combination Rockhold believes is nearly unstoppable.

The bottom line

• Khamzat Chimaev is undergoing intensive training with former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold.
• Rockhold considers Chimaev one of the most gifted training partners he has ever encountered.
• Chimaev's preparation is focused on enhancing his confidence and effectiveness for his UFC 328 title defense.
• Rockhold believes Chimaev's previous championship performance was affected by immense external pressure.
• Rockhold holds a strong personal aversion to Sean Strickland, citing his aggressive and disrespectful behavior.
• Despite his personal feelings, Rockhold recognizes Strickland as a significant threat to Chimaev.