Kamaru Usman suggests that Khamzat Chimaev would greatly benefit from having a dedicated head coach present ringside during his fights, as relying on fellow high-profile fighters and contenders in his corner appears insufficient.

Leading up to UFC 328, Chimaev was observed training with notable figures such as Luke Rockhold, Khalil Rountree Jr., and Arman Tsarukyan, in addition to his long-time coach, Alan “Finfou” Nascimento, who was in his corner.

However, Usman posits that Chimaev’s training approach, which involves sparring with other fighters but lacks a consistent head coach in his corner, is a significant issue that may have impacted his title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328.

Following his split-decision defeat to Sean Strickland this past weekend, many in the MMA community attributed Chimaev’s subpar performance to a difficult weight cut. Nevertheless, Usman, nicknamed “The Nigerian Nightmare,” contends that “Borz” requires a head coach to foster greater discipline, strategic thinking, and professionalism in the long term. Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman stated:

“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.”

Kamaru Usman Expresses Confusion Over Sean Strickland’s Victory Against Khamzat Chimaev

During the same discussion, Kamaru Usman also shared his thoughts on the UFC 328 main event outcome. Usman believes Chimaev should have been declared the winner against Strickland, arguing that “Borz” dictated the fight’s tempo, landed more strikes and takedowns for the majority of the bout, while Strickland largely fought defensively. He elaborated:

“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. The other guy was backing up and jabbing the whole time.”

English Translation and Rephrased Text:

Kamaru Usman Identifies Major Weakness in Khamzat Chimaev’s Fight Camp

Kamaru Usman has highlighted what he perceives as Khamzat Chimaev’s most significant shortcoming: the absence of a dedicated head coach consistently present ringside during fights. Usman believes that having other prominent fighters and contenders in his corner is not a sufficient substitute for experienced, direct coaching during critical moments.

Prior to UFC 328, Chimaev was seen training alongside several well-known fighters, including Luke Rockhold, Khalil Rountree Jr., and Arman Tsarukyan. He was also accompanied by his long-standing coach, Alan “Finfou” Nascimento, in his corner.

However, Usman argues that Chimaev’s training regimen, which involves working with fellow athletes but lacks a consistent head coach providing strategic guidance, is a real issue that could have negatively impacted his performance and subsequent title loss at UFC 328.

The Chechen-born Emirati fighter lost his title to Sean Strickland via split decision this past weekend. While many in the mixed martial arts community pointed to Chimaev’s challenging weight cut as the primary reason for his diminished performance against Strickland, “The Nigerian Nightmare” feels that “Borz” needs a head coach to help him develop greater discipline, tactical precision, and a more professional approach. On the podcast Pound 4 Pound, Usman expressed:

“Who is his coach between rounds? Who is providing him with sound, tactical instructions? Was it Arman Tsarukyan, a fighter who is still striving for a title himself, acting as your head coach? Who is your primary MMA coach? Khamzat Chimaev possesses immense athletic talent. What’s missing is a head coach. A strong partnership between Khamzat and a coach who can effectively integrate his skills could propel Khamzat to the next level.”

Kamaru Usman Expresses Disbelief at Sean Strickland’s Win Over Khamzat Chimaev

During the same show, Kamaru Usman also discussed the dynamics of the UFC 328 main event. Usman believes Chimaev should have been awarded the victory against Strickland. He contended that “Borz” controlled the fight’s pace, exhibited a higher volume of strikes and takedowns for the majority of the fight, while Strickland predominantly fought from a defensive stance. Usman stated:

“When one fighter is constantly advancing, throwing jabs, mixing in overhand punches, securing takedowns, and maintaining this pressure for nearly five rounds, I fail to see how he could lose the fight. The opposing fighter was consistently backing up and throwing jabs throughout.”