Outside Source
Guskov and Walker are long time training partners at Gor MMA in Russia under the tutelage of head coach Gor Azizyan. Guskov has also been a coach and cornerman for Walker throughout his career. Walker recently revealed that the damage he takes in real fights is nothing compared to the punishment he receives from Guskov in training.
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“Bogdan is a very skilled fighter,” Walker told Red Corner MMA. “So when I have an actual fight after training with him, and I get hit by my opponent, I’m like, ‘Bogdan hits me harder.’”
Guskov took a liking to Walker when they first met in Russia. While Walker is rising toward stardom now, Guskov still considers him the same guy who he needs to protect. The Uzbek light heavyweight contender goes hard on his close friend in training so that he doesn’t get hurt in real fights.
’Something Clicked and We Stuck Together’
“I know who he was. Of course, people change. But for me, he’s stil that guy that I’ll take care of to the best of my ability,” Guskov said. “As much as I can, I’ll help him and protect him. Back then, something clicked and we stuck together. And I have really warmed to this man during this Long Long time we’ve spent together… And I’m like, ‘I’m going to f—k you up so that no one else can.’”
While Guskov made his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut in 2023, Walker joined him a year later in the promotion. Both came up short in their respective UFC debuts. However, Guskov has since bounced back with a four-fight finishing streak. Meanwhile, Walker has built a legacy of his own with three straight heel hook submissions, earning the moniker, “The Foot Hunter.”
Walker was scheduled to fight Mohammed Usman at UFC Rio earlier this month before the latter was forced out with an injury. Walker will now face debutant Louie Sutherland (10-3) at UFC 321 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Guskov is scheduled to face former champ Jan Blachowicz at UFC 323 on Dec. 6 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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