Sarvarjon Khamidov returned from a year-long layoff to defeat Justin Wetzel at PFL San Diego. In a new interview, the bantamweight contender discussed training alongside Petr Yan and Movsar Evloev, and addressed a potential rematch with Magomed Magomedov.
Sarvarjon Khamidov made a successful return to the cage at PFL San Diego, snapping a year-long layoff with a victory over Justin Wetzel. In the aftermath, the bantamweight contender sat down for an interview to reflect on the win, his training environment, and unfinished business with a familiar rival.
Khamidov revealed he has been sharing the gym with two high-profile Russian teammates. One of them is Petr Yan, the bantamweight champion who carries a 20-5 record and fights out of Archangel Michael Club. Yan, 33, is one of the most technically precise strikers in the division, landing 5.12 significant strikes per minute at a 54 percent accuracy rate. The other training partner is Movsar Evloev, the undefeated featherweight ranked first in his division with a perfect 20-0 record. The 32-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, averages 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes and has yet to taste defeat as a professional.
Khamidov also addressed the prospect of a rematch with Magomed Magomedov, the Russian fighter known as TIGER. Magomedov holds a 21-5 record and at 33 years old remains a dangerous opponent, particularly on the feet, where he connects at a striking accuracy rate of 63.4 percent despite a measured output of 0.65 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Khamidov's ring rust appeared minimal in the Wetzel fight, keeping his contender status intact at bantamweight
- Daily work alongside champion Petr Yan could signal a meaningful step up in his preparation
- A potential rematch with Magomedov would carry significant weight given Magomedov's near-elite striking efficiency and Khamidov's renewed momentum
