Petr Yan is preparing for his next fight at a training camp in Kislovodsk, where he has been joined by sparring partners Asaf Chopurov and Kurban Gadzhiev. Gadzhiev also served as a sparring partner ahead of Yan's previous bout against Merab. The camp is being overseen by coach Kairat Nurmaganbetov.
Petr Yan is deep into fight preparation at a training camp in Kislovodsk, Russia, working alongside sparring partners Asaf Chopurov and Kurban Gadzhiev under the guidance of coach Kairat Nurmaganbetov.
Yan, the current bantamweight champion, brings a 20-5-0 record into camp at 33 years old. The Russian southpaw — who stands five-foot-seven with a 67-inch reach — has built his reputation on high-output, precise striking, landing 5.12 significant strikes per minute at a 54 percent accuracy rate. He adds a steady takedown threat as well, averaging 1.58 takedowns per 15 minutes. Yan fights out of the Archangel Michael Club.
Gadzhiev is not a new face in Yan's preparation. According to the camp report, he also served as a sparring partner ahead of Yan's previous bout against Merab, making him a trusted presence in the team's build-up process. Chopurov joins him in Kislovodsk as Yan sharpens his game under Nurmaganbetov's direction.
Why it matters
- Yan is the reigning bantamweight champion, meaning any camp update carries divisional weight heading into his next title defense.
- The continuity of bringing back Gadzhiev — a familiar sparring body from the Merab camp — suggests the team values preparation consistency.
- Kislovodsk, a high-altitude resort city in the North Caucasus, is a proven training destination for combat sports athletes, offering a demanding environment for conditioning work.
