Kamaru Usman has pointed out what he believes to be a significant issue in Khamzat Chimaev’s fight preparation: the lack of a dedicated head coach present ringside. Usman suggests that while Chimaev trains with other prominent fighters and has a long-term coach, having a singular, authoritative voice guiding him during fights is crucial and currently missing.
Leading up to UFC 328, Chimaev was observed training with notable figures such as Luke Rockhold, Khalil Rountree Jr., and Arman Tsarukyan, alongside his regular coach, Alan Nascimento. However, Usman posits that this approach, relying on fellow competitors and lacking a consistent head coach, could have been a contributing factor to Chimaev’s recent title defeat.
Following his split-decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328, many observers attributed Chimaev’s performance issues to a difficult weight cut. Yet, Usman, speaking on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast, expressed a differing perspective. He argues that in the long term, Chimaev requires a head coach to foster greater discipline, strategic thinking, and professionalism. “Who’s his coach [between rounds]? Who’s giving him sound instructions?” Usman questioned. “Arman Tsarukyan, a fighter still trying to make his way to the title, was your head coach? Who’s your MMA coach? Khamzat Chimaev has all that athletic ability. What’s missing is the head coach. A bond between Khamzat and finding a coach that can put that together could take Khamzat to the next level.”
Usman Questions Strickland’s Victory Over Chimaev
During the same discussion, Kamaru Usman also shared his bewilderment regarding the outcome of the UFC 328 main event. Usman felt that Chimaev was the more dominant fighter throughout the bout. He stated that Chimaev was dictating the pace, demonstrating superior striking and wrestling output for the majority of the fight, while Strickland largely remained on the defensive. “When one guy is constantly marching forward, throwing jabs, mixing in overhands, getting takedowns, and doing that for almost five rounds, I don’t see how he loses the fight,” Usman remarked. “The other guy was backing up and jabbing the whole time.”
English Translation and Rewritten Text:
Kamaru Usman: Khamzat Chimaev Lacks a Dedicated Head Coach
Kamaru Usman believes that Khamzat Chimaev’s primary weakness lies in his training camp, specifically the absence of a consistent head coach who is present ringside during his fights. Usman suggests that having other prominent fighters and contenders in his corner is insufficient for Chimaev’s development.
Prior to UFC 328, Chimaev was seen preparing with fighters such as Luke Rockhold, Khalil Rountree Jr., and Arman Tsarukyan, in addition to his long-time coach, Alan “Finfou” Nascimento. However, Usman contends that Chimaev’s training approach, involving fellow athletes rather than a dedicated head coach, is a significant issue that may have contributed to his title loss at UFC 328.
After losing his title to Sean Strickland via split decision this past weekend, the prevailing sentiment within the MMA community often cited Chimaev’s arduous weight cut as the main reason for his subpar performance. However, “The Nigerian Nightmare” posits that “Borz” ultimately needs a head coach to instill greater discipline, tactical acumen, and professionalism. Speaking on “Pound 4 Pound,” Usman articulated his concerns: “In there between rounds, who’s his coach? Who’s giving him sound instructions? Arman Tsarukyan, a fighter still trying to make his way to the title, was your head coach? Who’s your MMA coach? Khamzat Chimaev has all that athletic ability. What’s missing is the head coach. A bond between Khamzat and finding a coach that can put that together could take Khamzat to the next level.”
Usman Expresses Confusion Over Khamzat Chimaev’s Loss to Sean Strickland
During the same podcast appearance, Kamaru Usman also shared his thoughts on the UFC 328 main event. Usman expressed that he felt Chimaev should have been declared the winner against Strickland. He argued that “Borz” controlled the fight’s tempo, landed more strikes, and achieved more takedowns for the majority of the bout, while “Tarzan” predominantly fought with his back to the cage. “When one guy is constantly marching forward, throwing jabs, mixing in overhands, getting takedowns, and doing that for almost five rounds, I don’t see how he loses the fight,” Usman stated. “The other guy was backing up and jabbing the whole time.”
