Video: Ramsey Nijem on camp change, training with Shields for UFC Fight Night 39

After a long run with the team at The Pit, Ramsey Nijem decided it was time for a change.

He didn’t leave John Hackleman’s famed fight team on bad terms, though. In fact, he says he still talks to his old coaches there just about every day.

But for his fight at UFC Fight Night 39 this week in Abu Dhabi, Nijem (8-4 MMA, 4-3 UFC) changed things up for his fight against Beneil Dariush (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC). He made the move to Empower MMA in San Francisco, where he works with coach Tareq Azim.

“I felt stagnant where I was, and I really need a change to push myself individually,” Nijem said. “I’ve been coming to San Francisco and the Bay Area my whole life. No disrespect to my (previous) coaches (at The Pit and The Pit Elevated). I still love those guys.”

On Friday, he’ll see if the move has paid off against Dariush in Abu Dhabi. Their fight opens the main card on UFC Fight Pass, and Nijem is looking for his second straight win.

In his new environs, he’s been working with former UFC title challenger Jake Shields, especially on his ground game. And then there’s the relationship with upcoming lightweight title challenger Gilbert Melendez, who he gets to train with, as well.

“Every sparring session, there’s a purpose, trying to get better and improving,” Nijem said. “Jake’s like a big brother. He’s a good dude, and he’s helped me out a lot, especially for this fight.”

Hear what else Nijem had to say about his move and his upcoming fight, and get a behind-the-scenes look at his training in the video above. Then don’t miss UFC Fight Night 39 this Friday from Abu Dhabi.

For more on UFC Fight Night 39, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.