Escalated to face Gilbert Durinho next Saturday (9), on the main card of UFC 273, Khamzat Shimaev arrives for the fight with an eye on a possible chance at the welterweight title (up to 77kg.). And, for this, he has the support of Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach Alan Finfou, who accompanies the Swede on his journey within the organization.
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In an interview with SUPER FIGHTS, Finfou opened the game and analyzed the duel for his pupil. He also defined a bold tactic and showed confidence in Chimaev's 'bold tactic' to submit Durinho, a feat that would be unprecedented, as the Brazilian has never given up in MMA.
“Durinho is very good on the ground and has already proven that, inside and outside the UFC. He proved his worth. He is a lightweight jiu-jitsu champion, with and without the gi. (…) I work for victory, whatever it may be, as long as it is fair. Whether it's knockout or points, all that matters is victory. But a finish, for me, as a floor coach, would be much more rewarding. I’ve been his jiu-jitsu coach since day one,” before concluding.
“Durinho was never finalized, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. With all due respect to Durinho – I'm friends with him and we've already competed – and I believe he's a very tough athlete, but there are no invincible human beings. And jiu-jitsu teaches that, every time we fight, we are willing to do anything. As difficult as it may be, it is not impossible and we know. We are working hard to seek a submission, if the fight goes to the ground”, he highlighted.
Past with Durinho
Despite sharpening Chimaev's game to measure strength against Durinho on the ground, Alan Fifou reveals a certain friendship with his compatriot. The coach, who has already interacted with Gilbert in jiu-jitsu competitions, highlights the former challenger for the welterweight title (up to 77kg.)'s noble moment, in a meeting in the past.
“The first time I arrived in the United States, back in 2008, to compete in the world championship, I still didn't have money to buy a gift for my eldest son. And Durinho was in a store with me and told me to get a gift for my son”, said the Brazilian.
Special care…
A promising welterweight (up to 77kg), Khamzat is often challenged by other athletes in the organization, even from other divisions. A confrontation, however, is not so simple to be marked by Chimaev's 'bargaining power' in Ultimate. In fact, Finfou says that the Swede will only face fighters who represent a selling power in pay-per-view packages on flashy cards in the franchise.
“The UFC also wants to pair him with an opponent who can really sell. Today, he (Chimaev) has a huge sales power, so I think the UFC always wants to promote fights that make people feel excited about that event. It's a company and everything is generated by money. They don’t want to play to lose and put Chimaev against someone who isn’t interesting to the public,” he concluded.
Will catch fire!
the duel between Gilbert Durinho e Khamzat Shimaev will be part of the main card of the UFC 273, scheduled for April 9th and will be held at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arenaa, in Jacksonville, Florida (USA).
In the main fights, the organization promotes a fight for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg) between Alexander Volkanovsky e Korean zombie and the long-awaited rematch for the bantamweight title (up to 61,2kg) between aljamain sterling e Petr yan.
