Arman Tsarukyan recently shared his admiration for Khamzat Chimaev’s mindset as a fighter, highlighting the Chechen-born grappler’s ability to focus on his own strengths rather than worrying about his opponents’ game plan. Chimaev, who is currently one of the standout names in the UFC, showcased his dominance in his recent middleweight title win over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. With an impressive undefeated record of 15-0, Chimaev has defeated notable contenders like Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman, and Kevin Holland.
Tsarukyan, who is gearing up for his upcoming fight against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, commended Chimaev’s mindset and shared insights from his experience training with him at UFC 319 under the guidance of coach Sam Calavitta at The Training Lab in California. In a recent interview, Tsarukyan emphasized Chimaev’s focus on executing his own game plan without getting distracted by his opponents’ strategies. He mentioned, "He just thinks about what he’s gonna do. That mindset is, I think, very important. You have your game plan, but he doesn’t care what you’re gonna do."
As Tsarukyan prepares for his fight at UFC Qatar, it’s worth noting the dynamic between Chimaev and his close relationship with the fighter. Chimaev is set to corner Tsarukyan during his bout against Hooker, showcasing their camaraderie and mutual support in the octagon. Additionally, UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will also be present at the event to support his brother, Aleksandre Topuria, in his fight against Bekzat Almakhan. The rivalry between Topuria and Tsarukyan has been evident through their exchanges in interviews and on social media.
In a recent interview, Chimaev addressed the potential for a brawl between Topuria and Tsarukyan, stating that if such a situation were to arise, they should settle it one-on-one while others refrain from interfering. He acknowledged the promotional aspect of hyping up fights and generating excitement for the sport. Chimaev expressed his hope that any conflicts would be resolved peacefully but recognized the competitive nature of the sport.
As the UFC Qatar event approaches, fans can anticipate the intensity and drama surrounding the matchups, including the interactions between fighters like Chimaev, Tsarukyan, and Topuria. The support and camaraderie within the MMA community, as well as the competitive rivalries, add an extra layer of excitement to the event. Stay tuned for all the action and updates from UFC Qatar, as these fighters showcase their skills and determination in the octagon.
Edited by Nishant Zende.
