In an interview, Adil Borombayev revealed that despite 40 professional fights, including a bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov, he has never completed a full training camp. However, for his upcoming fight against former UFC champion Anthony Pettis, Borombayev will undergo his first-ever two-month training camp. The interviewer described Borombayev as one of the kindest and most pleasant MMA fighters in the industry. The main concern expressed is whether the bout will actually take place as scheduled.
Adil Borombayev has revealed that his upcoming bout against former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will be accompanied by something he has never experienced in his professional career: a full training camp.
Speaking in a recent interview, Borombayev disclosed that across his 40 professional fights — a run that has included a bout against unbeaten welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov — he has never once completed a dedicated preparation block. For the Pettis fight, that changes, with Borombayev committing to a two-month camp for the first time in his career. The interviewer spoke warmly of Borombayev, describing him as one of the most personable and good-natured fighters in the sport.
Borombayev's previous opponent, Rakhmonov, offers a sense of the level he has competed at. The 31-year-old Kazakhstani carries a perfect 19-0-0 record, currently ranks third in the UFC welterweight division, and brings a striking accuracy of 60 percent alongside 1.2 submission attempts per fifteen minutes — among the more complete skill sets in the weight class.
Pettis, 39, is a recognizable name across combat sports. The Milwaukee native holds a 24-10-0 record and built his reputation on dynamic striking and a submission game that averages 1.1 attempts per fifteen minutes. Fighting out of Roufusport, the six-foot southw — the five-foot-ten orthodox standout carries a 72-inch reach and lands 3.05 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Borombayev entering his first structured two-month camp could represent a meaningful step up in his preparation and performance.
- Pettis remains a name-value opponent whose submission threat and striking unpredictability make stylistic preparation essential.
- Whether the fight proceeds as scheduled is an open question, with the interview itself flagging uncertainty around the booking.
