TLDR
- Khamzat Chimaev was filmed playing PUBG: Battlegrounds during his UFC 328 training camp
- Arman Tsarukyan posted the footage and mocked Chimaev’s invitation to join the camp
- Chimaev defended the gaming sessions by asking how else to spend evening time
- Other footage shows intense training with fighters like Khalil Rountree Jr.
- The champion defends his middleweight title against Sean Strickland on May 9 at UFC 328
Sources: Essentially Sports | Low Kick MMA | Yardbarker
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has become the subject of social media discussion after footage emerged of him playing video games during his training camp for UFC 328. The champion is scheduled to defend his title against Sean Strickland on May 9.
Arman Tsarukyan, a UFC lightweight contender, posted the footage on his Instagram story after receiving an invitation to join Chimaev’s camp. The video shows Chimaev and his team playing PUBG: Battlegrounds together during the evening.
Tsarukyan Pokes Fun at Camp Invitation
In the video, Tsarukyan can be heard laughing while narrating the scene. “Khamzat says: ‘Come to my camp, it’ll be fun, very fun.’ Absolutely amazing,” he said while filming the champion relaxed with a controller in hand.
Chimaev responded casually to the teasing in the same clip. “How else can we spend time in the evening?” the 29-year-old champion questioned, defending his decision to unwind with gaming during camp.
😂 Arman Tsarukyan shared a funny moment after being invited to help Khamzat Chimaev in his fight camp…
Only to find the team spending the evening playing PUBG! 🎮🔥
Even during fight camp, Khamzat still makes time for gaming. pic.twitter.com/yAr3eA5meT
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) March 16, 2026
The footage sparked comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s strict training philosophy. The retired champion is known for implementing a no-distraction approach during fight camps, which contrasts sharply with Chimaev’s more relaxed evening activities.
Chimaev is preparing for his first title defense against Strickland, continuing a heated rivalry between the two fighters. The matchup follows public exchanges on social media between both competitors.
Intense Training Sessions Continue Despite Gaming
Despite the playful criticism from Tsarukyan, other footage from Chimaev’s camp shows intense training sessions. Recent videos show the champion working with top-level fighters, including UFC contender Khalil Rountree Jr.
In one training clip, Chimaev can be seen taking Rountree down and slamming him to the mat during a grappling exchange. The footage demonstrates the champion’s continued focus on preparing for his upcoming defense.
Rountree spoke about his experience training with Chimaev on the JAXXON Podcast YouTube channel. “It was painful. There were definitely moments where I would call them humbling because they make me question certain things that I even say about myself,” the 36-year-old said.
The UFC contender described how the sessions challenged his perception of his own fitness. “Sometimes I think I’m in good shape, and then I face a workout like this and it makes me realize that there’s so much more to go. And so it’s eye-opening,” Rountree explained.
Chimaev’s approach to balancing training with leisure time differs from traditional fight camp methods. Many coaches and fighters advocate for complete focus during the weeks leading up to a fight.
The champion’s decision to include gaming sessions during his preparation has raised questions about his level of commitment. However, his defenders point out that evening downtime doesn’t necessarily reflect his overall work ethic.
With less than two months remaining before UFC 328, Chimaev continues his preparation for Strickland. The bout will test whether his relaxed approach to fight camp can produce results at the championship level.
