Khamzat Chimaev, an unstoppable force in the UFC once, pretty much made a habit of running through opponents at will. He built an “aura” of a future champion around him right from his debut on the UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Ige fight card in 2020. Fast forward to UFC 308 tonight, Chimaev is just a pale shade of what he used to be. Questions are posed about the middleweight fighter’s invincibility cloak.
Once feared for his relentless aggression, Chimaev has been unable to maintain the same dominance in recent performances, leaving many fans wondering if the hunger that drove his early success has faded. UFC 308 will be a true test of where he stands in terms of becoming a serious contender for the title, and then, greatness.
A post by ‘Home of Fight’ on X (formerly Twitter) comparing an image from Chimaev’s debut photoshoot and the most recent one in Abu Dhabi, triggered some reactions.
How different is Khamzat now compared to his UFC debut 4 years ago? pic.twitter.com/M77VBrDTTn
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 24, 2024
It is evident Chimaev was in better shape ahead of his debut. His abs were more defined. He seems to be holding less body fat compared to the UFC 308 photos. On debut, Chimaev was fighting at welterweight and had to cut more weight. That perhaps explains the chiseled look.
Fans, however, jumped in to voice their opinions.
One fan noticed something different in Chimaev’s eyes: “He doesn’t have the hunger in his eyes. I might change my pick”.
Another fan pointed out that the aura has gone saying, “the aura is gone for some reason, but guess we will find out Saturday” but did not have a concrete reason as to why. “Looks like a sack of s*it tbh”- said another overly critical fan. 4
While fans might be sceptical of Chimaev and his capabilities, ‘Borz’ has no such doubts.
Chimaev predicts dominant win against Whittaker
Chimaev is ready to face arguably the toughest challenge of his career when he takes on former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. Chimaev believes being undefeated (he has a 13-0 pro record) gives him an edge. “He knows how to lose, we don’t,” he said on media day.
Whittaker has faced elite competition and is no stranger to five-round wars. He is possibly planning one too. Chimaev, however, remains unfazed. He’s ready to impose his will through wrestling. “Who has stopped my takedowns? Nobody,” he stated, dismissing Whittaker’s standup game as ineffective against his style.
When asked about going the distance, Chimaev shrugged off any concerns, saying he’s focused solely on winning, whether by submission or decision. “Just win, that’s it. Smash that guy, take my money, and go home. How it happens doesn’t matter.”
Now, that’s confidence personified, the “aura” notwithstanding.
