Former UFC Gentle Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira has provided his evaluation of undefeated middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev, acknowledging the fighter’s elite standing and spectacular microphone expertise whereas elevating issues about his method to sparring classes with lesser-skilled coaching companions.
Former UFC Champion Warns: Khamzat Chimaev Goes Too Laborious Towards Outmatched Coaching Companions
In a current look on the UFC Glory Days podcast, Teixeira supplied a nuanced perspective on Chimaev’s growth as a fighter and his preparation strategies. The Brazilian legend, who has constructed a profitable health club operation and training profession in Connecticut, acknowledged Chimaev’s simple expertise and work ethic whereas providing constructive criticism about depth administration throughout coaching camp actions.
“He’s nice, he’s nice — the way in which he talks and he backs it up. He comes again and exhibits. He’s an incredible fighter. One factor that I in all probability don’t like about Chimaev is that generally he spars with guys and beats the shit out of people who find themselves not on his degree. However he’s an incredible fighter, and he’s good on the microphone too.”
The priority Teixeira raised displays a standard debate amongst teaching workers and athletic professionals about whether or not extreme depth throughout coaching classes with overmatched companions serves a fighter’s long-term growth.
Chimaev has constructed his repute on a rare work ethic and relentless coaching method. A number of coaching companions and coaches have beforehand described his classes as exceptionally demanding, with some noting that he maintains depth all through coaching camps that almost all fighters would discover unsustainable. Sweden‘s Alexander Gustafsson, who has sparred with Chimaev extensively, beforehand acknowledged that the undefeated fighter trains at a degree that exceeds most elite opponents.
Having competed on the highest ranges of blended martial arts for over twenty years and efficiently coached fighters together with UFC Champion Alex Pereira, Teixeira understands the nuances of championship-level preparation.
The retired champion made clear that his critique mustn’t diminish his respect for Chimaev’s talents. Teixeira explicitly acknowledged the Chechen fighter‘s distinctive expertise, communication talents, and his willingness to again up his claims contained in the Octagon. The excellence Teixeira drew was particular: the priority centered on coaching methodology.
Chimaev’s coaching setup has developed significantly all through his profession. Underneath the steering of his teaching crew, together with endurance specialist Sam Calavitta, Chimaev has integrated refined conditioning protocols and structured sparring rotations.
Chimaev captured the middleweight title on August 16, 2025, when he confronted defending champion Dricus Du Plessis in Chicago. Glover Teixeira skilled Alex Pereira to capturing gold in two UFC weight classes, middleweight and light-weight heavyweight. Teixeira has publicly credited Pereira’s coachability and lack of ego as components contributing to his fast rise by way of the UFC rankings.
