Khamzat Chimaev’s coach Alan Nascimento recently recalled a ‘crazy’ sparring session between Chimaev and new light heavyweight UFC champion, Jiri Prochazka. Nascimento mentioned that the sparring session caught everyone’s attention at the gym.
UFC welterweight star Khamzat Chimaev is arguably one of the best grapplers in the world. The Chechen born grappler just defeated the number two contender, Gilbert Burns, in a fierce battle back in April. With that victory, Chimaev is getting closer to the title fight he has been aiming for.
To hone his skills, Chimaev often trains with fellow professionals. He has been spotted training with friend Darren Till, Alexander Gustafsson, and Bellator MMA star Yaroslav Amosov. The 28-year-old also had several sparring sessions with the current light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka.
Chimaev’s coach and trainer at Allstars Training Center in Sweden Alan Nascimento shared:
“He did his last camp before signing with the UFC here with us and there was a historical sparring [session] between him and Chimaev.”
“It happened here and they were both trying to kill each other. Everyone here in the gym always recalls that crazy sparring.” Nascimento told Sherdog.
Unlike many athletes who grow fond of each other after training together, Chimaev and Prochazka have gone the opposite way. The pair grew tired of each other following their most recent training session ahead of Chimaev vs Burns fight in April.
Following the training, Chimaev said he injured Prochazka’s ribs and boasted about it.
“I want a title, and it doesn’t matter what the title is. I can also fight for the 93 kilogram belt. Who’s fighting over there now? Two guys… Glover and Jiri Prochazka. He [Jiri] was also at our gym. He knows me. He knows what I can do. Ask the guy how his sparring with Khamzat went. He will tell you. I can also fight with these guys.”
When asked about it, Prochazka confirmed that he injured his rib. The 29-year-old also said that Chimaev is a good fighter but claimed there was nothing special about him.
Khamzat Chimaev is still in talks for his next fight. Previously he was in talks to fight welterweight gatekeeper Colby Covington but there hasn’t been any confirmation.
Chimaev has also called out Belal Muhammad and Conor McGregor. He is even willing to take on Nate Diaz who is still desperate to finish out his UFC contract
Meanwhile, Prochazka is likely to face former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz.