Sarvarjon Hamidov, one of the top bantamweights in MMA, returned from a year-long layoff and defeated Justin Wetzel at PFL San Diego. The fighter discussed training camps alongside Petr Yan and Movsar Evloev, as well as the prospect of a rematch with Magomed Magomedov.
Sarvarjon Hamidov shook off a year-long absence from competition by defeating Justin Wetzel at PFL San Diego, then sat down to discuss his training environment and unfinished business with Magomed Magomedov.
Hamidov spoke about sharing camps with two prominent Russian fighters. Petr Yan, the 33-year-old bantamweight champion carrying a 20-5 record, trains out of Archangel Michael Club and is widely regarded as one of the most complete strikers in the division. Yan lands 5.12 significant strikes per minute at a 54 percent accuracy rate, numbers that reflect the elite-level work Hamidov is exposed to each camp. Movsar Evloev, the undefeated featherweight ranked first in his division at 20-0, also factors into that training circle. The 32-year-old Russian, who fights out of American Top Team, averages 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 3.91 significant strikes per minute, giving Hamidov a diverse set of sparring challenges to prepare for.
On the topic of Magomed Magomedov, the 33-year-old Russian known as TIGER holds a 21-5 record and brings a distinctive pressure-based style. His 63.4 percent striking accuracy is among the highest in the sport, even with a relatively low output of 0.65 significant strikes per minute, suggesting he picks his shots carefully and looks to control position rather than outwork opponents on the feet.
Why it matters
- Hamidov's successful return after a year out reestablishes him as a serious bantamweight contender on the PFL roster
- Training alongside a reigning champion in Yan gives him direct exposure to championship-level preparation
- A rematch with Magomedov would pit contrasting styles against each other, with Magomedov's high accuracy and grappling control testing Hamidov's improved game
