LAS VEGAS – Jalin Turner assures you that Khamzat Chimaev is just as good as advertised.
Turner (13-6 MMA, 6-3 UFC), who meets Dan Hooker (22-12 MMA, 12-8 UFC) on Saturday’s UFC 290 pay-per-view main card at T-Mobile Arena, recently traveled to Dubai and crossed paths with Chimaev (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) while training. And he took everything he could handle.
The lightweight contender could only rave about the experience.
“That was crazy,” Turner told MMA Junkie and other reporters at UFC 290 media day. “Khamzat is good. Khamzat is legit. I learned a lot from that dude in the couple sessions we had. He’s a cool dude. Strong fighter, great grappling – good striking, too. I’m like, man, he’s dope. Khamzat’s dope.”
Turner said it was purely circumstantial that he trained with Chimaev. Nothing was set up ahead of time, and he “didn’t even think” Chimaev would be in the gym when he arrived.
Nevertheless, Turner took full advantage of the opportunity. Chimaev, who hasn’t fought since a quick submission win over Kevin Holland last September, pushed Turner to his limit in every facet.
They weren’t easy rounds, Turner said, but he’s certain it made him a better fighter.
“It was intense,” Turner said. “I wish I was up a weight class so I could’ve endured a lot more. But that man did not stop. I was like, ‘Bruh.’ He was shooting takedowns and strikes. I had no time to think. I was like, ‘Dog.’ It was wild. It was fun, though. I haven’t been pushed or tested like that in the gym for years. I didn’t even think anybody could do that to me, at the point I’m at. But he did. He’s strong, great grappling. He did not stop. He has cardio. It was fun. I want to train with him a lot more.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 290.
