Usman's rival at UFC 258, Durinho confirms having done more than 200 rounds of training with the champion

G. Durinho (left) and K. Usman (right) were training partners for around seven years. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Opponent of Kamaru Usman No. UFC 258, which takes place on February 13th in Las Vegas, Gilbert Durinho You will experience a different moment in your next appointment. In addition to competing for a belt for the first time since his debut in Ultimate, the Brazilian will have a rival he knows well in the other corner. In an interview with 'MMA Junkie', the Niteroi native spoke about the old partnership he had with the current champion during training periods.

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“Kamaru and I have over 200 rounds of sparing at least. We started training together in 2012, at 'Blackzillians'. Then, the gym closed and we moved along with Henry Hooft. We went to a place called 'Combat Club'. We stayed there for about a year, then we opened 'Hard knocks'. We stayed there for two years and then moved to 'Sanford MMA', and we stayed for two years. So, I trained with Kamaru for seven years and we loved training”, said the Brazilian.

Undefeated since joining the welterweight division (up to 77kg), Gilbert praised the belt owner and spoke of how much the Nigerian's participation in his training helped him evolve in the sport. The Niteroi native also believes that he helped his opponent's success towards the top of the world.

“He was a good partner for me and I for him. Regarding sparing sessions, there were more than 200. Only sparing sessions grapple (grappling), more wrestling, I certainly have many hours of training with Kamaru. We know each other very well”, concluded Durinho.

This is not the first time that Ultimate has tried to promote a clash between Gilbert and Usman. The athletes should have faced each other in July 2020, at least UFC 251. The Brazilian, however, tested positive for Covid-19 days before the clash and ended up being replaced by Jorge masvidal.

The UFC also tried to hold the fight in December, for UFC 256. This time, the champion left the fight, claiming he would like more time to prepare.

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