Many have taken note of Khamzat Chimaev’s new fight persona and his cold and calculated approach to bouts. His dominant victory over former champion Robert Whittaker was precise, powerful, and a warning to the rest of the division. UFC middleweight prospect Michael ‘Venom’ Page highlighted Chimaev‘s impressive evolution and intelligence inside the octagon, hailing him as an “absolute beast”.
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, MVP explained that Borz has shed his relentless approach for a more measured style, taking his time to read the opponents and pacing things well.
“He was picking his shots, that Khamzat could go five rounds, which is dangerous for anybody in the division. It was impressive to see his growth and intelligence in that fight. I could definitely see that being a problem for everybody,” said Page.
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MVP added that in the fight against Kamaru Usman in 2023, Chimaev fought like he was in a bar fight. The Chechen ended up winning but had looked in disarray by the third round. Had the fight been for five, Usman would have found a way to finish him off.
Borz is a changed fighter now. And, almost a year later, he was clinical and precise in his approach against Whittaker last month. With the jaw-breaking win, he is now in contention for the UFC middleweight title, leaving former champion Sean Strickland miles behind as a contender.
Dana White to give Chimaev a title shot
Chimaev’s meteoric rise might have been stalled by COVID and the other health issues he has faced after that. But it all seems to be a thing of the past now. With his performance at UFC 308, he is bound to get a title shot in the near future.
Even middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis believes he is more deserving of the title shot than Strickland.
UFC CEO White was also thoroughly impressed, calling the win against Whittaker as Chimaev’s best showing yet. He also revealed plans to see him fight for the middleweight title in 2025.
Strickland’s presence as a contender is hard to ignore though. However, the former champion is not helping his case by refusing to fight in South Africa and Australia. He wants to win the title in US soil.
Incidentally, White is also hoping that Chimaev’s next big fight, potentially for the belt, will take place in the US. Chimaev hasn’t fought stateside since his quick finish of Kevin Holland at UFC 279 in Las Vegas last year.
