Former UFC gentle heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira has shared his evaluation of undefeated middleweight challenger Khamzat Chimaev, acknowledging the fighter’s elite standing and spectacular microphone abilities, however expressing issues about his strategy to sparring periods with less-skilled coaching companions.
Former UFC champion warns: Khamzat Chimaev is attempting too laborious towards an inferior coaching accomplice
In a latest look on the UFC Glory Days podcast, Teixeira provided a nuanced perspective on Chimaev’s improvement as a fighter and the way he prepares. The Brazilian legend, who has constructed a profitable profession as a fitness center operator and coach in Connecticut, acknowledged Chimaev’s simple expertise and work ethic, whereas providing constructive criticism about his power administration throughout coaching camp actions.
“He is nice, he is nice, and the best way he talks backs that up. He comes again and exhibits. He is an awesome fighter. The one factor I in all probability do not like about Chimaev is that generally he sparring with guys and beats up individuals that are not on his stage. However he is an awesome fighter and he is good on the microphone.”
The issues raised by Teixeira replicate a basic debate amongst teaching staffs and sports activities consultants about whether or not extreme depth throughout coaching periods with opponents helps a fighter’s long-term improvement.
Chimaev has constructed a status for his distinctive work ethic and relentless coaching strategy. A number of coaching companions and coaches have beforehand described his periods as extraordinarily demanding, with some noting that he maintains an depth all through coaching camp that will be unsustainable for many fighters. Sweden’s Alexander Gustafsson, who has incessantly sparred with Chimaev, beforehand stated the undefeated fighter trains at a stage that exceeds most elite athletes.
Having competed on the highest stage of blended martial arts for over 20 years and efficiently teaching fighters together with UFC champion Alex Pereira, Teixeira understands the nuances of championship-level preparation.
The retired champion made it clear that his criticism mustn’t diminish his respect for Chimaev’s skills. Teixeira clearly acknowledged the Chechen fighter’s extraordinary abilities, communication skills and willingness to help his trigger contained in the Octagon. What set Teixeira aside was that he was particular and centered on his coaching methodology.
Chimaev’s coaching setup has advanced considerably all through his profession. Below the steering of a training workforce that included endurance specialist Sam Caravitta, Chimaev adopted refined conditioning protocols and structured sparring rotations.
Chimaev received the middleweight title on August 16, 2025 in Chicago towards defending champion Drikas du Plessis. Glover Teixeira coached Alex Pereira to gold medals in two weight lessons within the UFC: middleweight and light-weight heavyweight. Teixeira has publicly acknowledged that Pereira’s management and lack of ego had been components that contributed to his fast stand up the UFC rankings.
