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Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Top Middleweight Contender in Training
Chimaev adds another high-level fighter to his camp as he prepares to defend his title.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:07am
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Khamzat Chimaev's dominant grappling skills are on full display as he trains for his first title defense.Las Vegas TodayUndefeated UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has brought in top-five ranked contender Brendan Allen to train with him ahead of his first title defense. In new footage, Chimaev is shown dominating Allen on the ground, showcasing his impressive grappling skills. Allen, who recently defeated Reinier de Ridder, was previously stopped by Sean Strickland, another potential future opponent for Chimaev.
Why it matters
Chimaev's decision to add Allen to his training camp signals that he is taking his title defense very seriously and is looking to sharpen all aspects of his game against high-level opposition. This could be an ominous sign for his future opponents, as Chimaev continues to demonstrate his well-rounded skill set.
The details
In the new footage, Chimaev is seen controlling the larger and more experienced Allen on the ground, showcasing his dominant grappling abilities. Allen, who is currently ranked in the top five of the UFC middleweight division, was previously defeated by Sean Strickland, another potential future opponent for Chimaev. The addition of Allen to Chimaev's camp comes as the undefeated champion prepares for the first defense of his middleweight title.
- Chimaev is preparing for the first defense of his UFC middleweight title.
The players
Khamzat Chimaev
The undefeated UFC middleweight champion who is preparing for the first defense of his title.
Brendan Allen
A top-five ranked UFC middleweight contender who has joined Chimaev's training camp.
Sean Strickland
A UFC middleweight fighter who previously defeated Brendan Allen and could be a future opponent for Chimaev.
What they’re saying
“Chimaev has added another high-level fighter into his training camp. The likes of Aaron Pico have jumped in to train alongside Chimaev as he prepares for the first defense of his middleweight title.”
— Kyle Dimond, Author
What’s next
Chimaev is expected to announce his next title defense opponent in the coming weeks, with Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis among the potential challengers.
The takeaway
Khamzat Chimaev's decision to bring in top-ranked middleweight contender Brendan Allen to his training camp shows the champion is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares to defend his title. Chimaev's dominant grappling display against Allen is a worrying sign for his future opponents, as the undefeated fighter continues to showcase his well-rounded skill set.
