Fight Preview
Khamzat Chimaev has impressed MMA fans since his 2020 debut, and will take his show to another level during UFC 294 this weekend. Chimaev had initially planned on facing Paulo Costa before being called up on short notice against Kamaru Usman in what many expect will be an early middleweight title eliminator bout. Usman gladly accepted despite coming up a weight class and fans eagerly anticipate this encounter.
At the pre-fight press conference, both fighters took an official staredown with each other at 185 pounds and both fighters are known for their ability to finish fights quickly and decisively. Usman will make his middleweight debut and is coming into this bout having suffered two consecutive losses to Leon Edwards. Yet, the Nigeria-born fighter has made it clear he wants to return to victory and plans on making an impressionable statement against Chimaev who stands as one of his toughest tests yet.
Usman, a former welterweight champion, boasts impressive wins against Jorge Masvidal (twice), Gilbert Burns, Colby Covington, Tyron Woodley, Rafael dos Anjos and Demian Maia. Usman will look to rebound after suffering his loss to Edwards by engaging in an intriguing contest that features both wrestling and striking techniques.
Chimaev has proven himself capable of dismantling opponents with powerful strikes; averaging 4.46 significant strikes per minute while only taking in 2.75, as well as boasting an incredible 97% takedown defense record.
Chimaev has proven himself an incredible wrestler, amassing an undefeated 12-0 record within 12 fights to start his career. Ending 11 of those fights early, and showing exceptional welterweight and middleweight wrestling, his impressive wrestling abilities have propelled him towards success in his early fights.
With his 76″ reach and switch-stance fighting style, Usman boasts the potential to dominate wrestling from multiple positions.
Usman will face an extremely challenging test against Chimaev, as he is an extremely dangerous submission specialist. Usman has managed to stay out of harm’s way throughout his career and must find ways to neutralize Chimaev’s wrestling while keeping up with his striking attack in order to win this matchup. If successful, Chimaev may find it tougher to claim victory than originally anticipated.
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Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev Fight Information
- Date: 10/21/2023
- Time: 03:30 PM ET
- Location: Bridgestone Arena.
- How to Watch Usman vs Chimaev : ESPN+
- Live Stream: BT Sport.com
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