Arman Tsarukyan has outlined Khamzat Chimaev’s approach to fight preparation ahead of the UFC middleweight champion’s upcoming title defence against Sean Strickland.

Tsarukyan has been training alongside Chimaev in the build-up to the bout in Newark next month, with the undefeated champion set to face Strickland in a highly anticipated clash at UFC 328. The matchup has already drawn attention following criticism of Chimaev’s preparation from his opponent.

Speaking about Chimaev’s mindset, Tsarukyan said that the champion does not study his opponents in the way many fighters typically would. “He has a different mindset. He never watches his opponent’s fights. He doesn’t care what they’re gonna do… This guy, he doesn’t know even like what Strickland does or his opponents,” Tsarukyan said, according to the PBD Podcast, as noted by Bloody Elbow.

Tsarukyan added that Chimaev’s focus is entirely on his own game plan rather than reacting to an opponent’s tendencies. “He never watches them and he doesn’t care what they’re going to do. He cares what he’s going to do to them. So, he has his own game plan just on what he’s going to do. That’s why he’s different,” he said.

The champion is expected to bring that same approach into his first title defence, with Strickland widely viewed as a stylistic challenge given his durability and striking ability. The bout is scheduled to take place on May 9 at the Prudential Center.

Chimaev enters the contest with an undefeated record and a reputation for dominant wrestling inside the Octagon, while Strickland has previously shown resilience in grappling exchanges, setting the stage for a closely watched main event.