Sarvarjon Khamidov returned from a year-long layoff with a dominant victory over Justin Wetzel at PFL San Diego. In a wide-ranging interview, the bantamweight contender discussed training alongside Petr Yan and Movsar Evloev, and addressed the prospect of a rematch with Magomed Magomedov.
Sarvarjon Khamidov shook off a year-long absence from competition with a dominant performance against Justin Wetzel at PFL San Diego, and he has since opened up about what went into that return and what he wants next.
In a wide-ranging interview, the bantamweight contender spoke about the quality of his preparation, which included time training alongside two elite Russian fighters — Petr Yan and Movsar Evloev. Khamidov also addressed the possibility of a second meeting with Magomed Magomedov, a fight that appears to be on his radar as he rebuilds momentum.
Yan, 33, is the reigning bantamweight champion and carries a 20-5 record. Fighting out of the Archangel Michael Club, the switch-stance striker known as "No Mercy" lands an imposing 5.12 significant strikes per minute at a 54 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the most technically refined hands in the division. Time spent in camp alongside him would represent serious high-level preparation for any 135-pound contender.
Evloev, 32, is the top-ranked featherweight contender and one of the sport's few remaining unbeaten fighters at 20-0. The American Top Team product generates nearly five takedowns per 15 minutes and lands close to four significant strikes per minute, giving any training partner exposure to a relentless, multi-dimensional game.
Magomedov, nicknamed "TIGER," holds a 21-5 record and brings a precise but measured offensive style, connecting on over 63 percent of his significant strikes despite a conservative output of 0.65 per minute. His five-foot-seven frame and 70-inch reach are identical to Yan's height and sit between Yan and Evloev in terms of wingspan.
Why it matters
- Khamidov's return win re-establishes him as a live contender in the PFL bantamweight landscape
- Camp time with a reigning champion in Yan signals a meaningful upgrade in his preparation
- A potential Magomedov rematch would carry clear divisional stakes given both men's records and experience
