Sarvarjon Khamidov, one of the top bantamweights in MMA, returned from a year-long layoff to defeat Justin Wetzel at PFL San Diego. In a new interview, he spoke about training alongside Petr Yan and Movsar Evloev, as well as a potential rematch with Magomed Magomedov.
Sarvarjon Khamidov broke a year-long absence from competition by defeating Justin Wetzel at PFL San Diego, and he has since opened up about his training environment, his camp partners, and the possibility of a rematch with Magomed Magomedov.
Khamidov has established himself among the elite bantamweights in MMA, and his return victory reinforced that status after the extended layoff. In the interview, he spoke about the quality of his training alongside two prominent Russian fighters — UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan and featherweight contender Movsar Evloev.
Yan, 33, carries a 20-5 record and currently holds the bantamweight title. Fighting out of a switch stance, he averages 5.12 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 54 percent, making him one of the more precise and prolific strikers in his division. The camp influence of a champion of that caliber would naturally sharpen any elite bantamweight's preparation.
Evloev, 32, is undefeated at 20-0 and ranked first in the featherweight division. The Russian prospect averages 3.91 significant strikes per minute and supplements his striking with a strong grappling game, landing 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes. His presence adds another dimension to the training environment Khamidov described.
Khamidov also addressed a potential rematch with Magomed Magomedov, known as "Tiger." The 33-year-old carries a 21-5 record and brings a distinctive style to the cage — his striking accuracy sits at an exceptional 63.4 percent despite a conservative output of 0.65 significant strikes per minute, suggesting a patient, counter-heavy approach.
Why it matters
- A rematch with Magomedov would pit two elite strikers with sharply contrasting styles against each other
- Khamidov's alliance with a reigning champion in Petr Yan signals serious title ambitions at bantamweight
- Evloev's unbeaten record and top featherweight ranking add further credibility to the training camp's pedigree
