Must-Watch Khamzat Chimaev Fights: A Journey Through His UFC Career Highlights

Chimaev And Burns Delivered A 2022 Fight Of The Year Classic.

The Welterweight clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns truly lived up to the hype, earning the distinction of 2022 Fight of the Year. Chimaev emerged victorious with a hard-fought unanimous decision,maintaining his undefeated record.

Judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Chimaev, improving his professional record to 11-0. Burns, a former title challenger, now stands at 20-5.

chimaev aggressively pursued a takedown early, securing one within the first three strikes. Burns demonstrated resilience, escaping the initial grapple after about 90 seconds. The fighters than engaged in a striking exchange, with Chimaev landing a meaningful right hand that dropped burns before the round’s end.

Round two saw both fighters displaying sharp striking skills. The crowd’s energy surged with chants as Burns briefly dropped Chimaev and unleashed a flurry of strikes. Chimaev responded with his own offensive burst, and the fight transitioned to the ground, where Burns utilized an upkick to regain his footing. Another knockdown by Burns late in the round further intensified the battle.

The third round showcased both fighters’ fatigue, yet the intensity remained high. They continued to trade blows, ultimately resulting in Chimaev’s hand being raised in victory.

Next Up: Chimaev vs Robert Whittaker (UFC 308)

How has Khamzat Chimaev’s fighting style evolved from his early UFC debut against John Phillips to his more recent victory over Robert Whittaker?

khamzat Chimaev’s Explosive Arrival: Early Dominance (2020-2021)

Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in July 2020, and his initial fights were nothing short of stunning. This period established him as a serious contender and a must-watch fighter. His grappling prowess and relentless pressure quickly became his trademarks.

john Phillips (UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till – July 15, 2020): Chimaev’s debut was a statement. He overwhelmed Phillips with relentless grappling,securing a second-round submission via D’arce choke. This fight showcased his aggressive style and finishing ability. Key takeaways: UFC debut, submission win, grappling dominance.

Rhys McKee (UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Aldrich – July 26, 2020): Just ten days later, Chimaev returned, dismantling McKee in the frist round. This fight highlighted his striking improvements alongside his already formidable wrestling. He landed a staggering 51 strikes in under three minutes. This cemented his reputation as a rising star in the welterweight division.

Gerald Meerschaert (UFC Fight Night: thompson vs. Neal – September 19, 2020): Perhaps his most viral moment early on.Chimaev knocked out Meerschaert with a single punch just 17 seconds into the first round. This knockout instantly made him a fan favorite and a name to watch in the UFC. It demonstrated his power and speed.

Li jingliang (UFC 267 – October 30, 2021): Chimaev dominated Li Jingliang, taking him down repeatedly and eventually securing a rear-naked choke in the first round. This fight showed his ability to control opponents on the ground and dictate the pace of the fight. It was a clear indication of his championship potential. Rear-naked choke, first-round finish, ground control.

Navigating Challenges & Middleweight Ventures (2022)

2022 presented Chimaev with challenges, including a serious illness and a controversial weigh-in mishap. He also experimented with a move to the middleweight division.

gilbert Burns (UFC 273 – april 9, 2022): This fight is arguably Chimaev’s most grueling and arguably his best performance to date. A back-and-forth war against a seasoned veteran in Burns, Chimaev showcased his toughness and resilience. he won by unanimous decision, but it was a hard-fought victory that proved he coudl compete with the elite. This fight was a notable step up in competition and a true test of his skills. War of attrition, unanimous decision, toughness.

Kevin Holland (UFC 279 – September 10, 2022): Originally scheduled to face Nate Diaz, Chimaev faced Holland after Diaz pulled out. He quickly dispatched Holland with a D’Arce choke in the first round. However, the fight was overshadowed by the chaotic weigh-in where Chimaev missed weight significantly, leading to a reshuffling of the card.D’Arce choke, short-notice fight, weight miss.

Return to Form & Lightweight Ambitions (2023-2024)

After recovering from health issues, Chimaev returned to the Octagon, continuing to showcase his dominance and hinting at a potential move to lightweight.

Kamaru usman (UFC 295 – November 11, 2023): Facing former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on short notice, Chimaev secured a majority decision victory. While not a dominant performance like some of his earlier fights, it was a significant win over a highly respected opponent. This fight demonstrated his ability to adapt and compete against top-tier competition.Majority decision, former champion, short-notice opponent.

robert Whittaker (UFC 298 – March 9, 2024): Chimaev defeated former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker via second-round submission (sleeper hold). This victory solidified his position as a top contender in the middleweight division and showcased his evolving skillset.The sleeper hold finish was notably impressive. Sleeper hold, submission victory, former champion.

Analyzing Chimaev’s Fighting Style: Key Strengths

Chimaev’s success stems from a unique blend of skills and attributes:

Wrestling: An exceptional wrestler with relentless takedowns and dominant top control.

Grappling: A dangerous submission artist with a variety of finishes,including