Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Khamzat Chimaev
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In line for main-event spot
Chimaev is in line to fight in the main event of a card scheduled to take place next month in Las Vegas, Steven Marrocco of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The opponent has yet to be set in stone, but UFC President Dana White confirmed in a recent press conference that the top prospect is being billed for a five-round, main-event slot. Given the tear he's been on, it's an opportunity he certainly deserves, though it will be difficult to find a fighter willing to risk their spot in the rankings against a prospect with this much momentum. It was previously rumored that Chimaev would face veteran Demian Maia, but it's unclear if that's still in the cards, or if there's been an issue getting Maia to agree to a risky fight against an opponent this dangerous. Chimaev has expressed willingness to fight anyone in the division, with names such as Stephen Thompson and Leon Edwards coming up frequently in discussion. Edwards is in a similar boat, as he's a top contender on a tear that has had difficulty finding a fight as well. Whoever ends up facing Chimaev, it will likely be a big step in the 26-year-old's path to an eventual title shot.
The opponent has yet to be set in stone, but UFC President Dana White confirmed in a recent press conference that the top prospect is being billed for a five-round, main-event slot. Given the tear he's been on, it's an opportunity he certainly deserves, though it will be difficult to find a fighter willing to risk their spot in the rankings against a prospect with this much momentum. It was previously rumored that Chimaev would face veteran Demian Maia, but it's unclear if that's still in the cards, or if there's been an issue getting Maia to agree to a risky fight against an opponent this dangerous. Chimaev has expressed willingness to fight anyone in the division, with names such as Stephen Thompson and Leon Edwards coming up frequently in discussion. Edwards is in a similar boat, as he's a top contender on a tear that has had difficulty finding a fight as well. Whoever ends up facing Chimaev, it will likely be a big step in the 26-year-old's path to an eventual title shot.
Continues epic run
Chimaev defeated Gerald Meerschaert via KO (punch) at 0:17 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Oh boy. That is now three victories in 66 days for Chimaev to begin his UFC career, a new company record. After destroying John Phillips and Rhys McKee in a 10-day span in mid-July, Chimaev was even more impressive against a better opponent in Meerschaert. He pushed forward the second the opening bell rang and picked his spot before unloading one vicious right hand that turned Meerschaert's lights out. There are rumors of the UFC potentially matching Chimaev up against Demian Maia on one of the upcoming Fight Island cards, but that is probably underselling the company's newest superstar. Chimaev is going to be a massive favorite if that fight does indeed take place. In the meantime, he'll walk away with another $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus here -- his third in three chances with the company.
Oh boy. That is now three victories in 66 days for Chimaev to begin his UFC career, a new company record. After destroying John Phillips and Rhys McKee in a 10-day span in mid-July, Chimaev was even more impressive against a better opponent in Meerschaert. He pushed forward the second the opening bell rang and picked his spot before unloading one vicious right hand that turned Meerschaert's lights out. There are rumors of the UFC potentially matching Chimaev up against Demian Maia on one of the upcoming Fight Island cards, but that is probably underselling the company's newest superstar. Chimaev is going to be a massive favorite if that fight does indeed take place. In the meantime, he'll walk away with another $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus here -- his third in three chances with the company.
Targeted for Sept. 19
Chimaev is in line to face Gerald Meerschaert in a middlweight matchup at the UFC event scheduled for Sept. 19, Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Chimaev took the UFC by storm with two wins (and two performance bonuses) in his first 10 days with the company, proving to the company he was ready for a higher-caliber opponent. He'll get just that in Meerschaert, a veteran of 11 pro fights that has split wins and losses his last time out. In his first two fights, Chimaev was able to dominate the wrestling/grappling game by getting a takedown early and maintaining control until the finish came. Meerschaert has just a 46 percent takedown defense, but averages more than a pair of takedowns of his own per fight, plus seeks out 1.7 submissions per 15 minutes on average. Nonetheless, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see Chimaev enter as a big betting favorite. If all goes well, the UFC apparently has hopes to book him against former title contender and grappling wizard Demian Maia.
Chimaev took the UFC by storm with two wins (and two performance bonuses) in his first 10 days with the company, proving to the company he was ready for a higher-caliber opponent. He'll get just that in Meerschaert, a veteran of 11 pro fights that has split wins and losses his last time out. In his first two fights, Chimaev was able to dominate the wrestling/grappling game by getting a takedown early and maintaining control until the finish came. Meerschaert has just a 46 percent takedown defense, but averages more than a pair of takedowns of his own per fight, plus seeks out 1.7 submissions per 15 minutes on average. Nonetheless, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see Chimaev enter as a big betting favorite. If all goes well, the UFC apparently has hopes to book him against former title contender and grappling wizard Demian Maia.
Looking at another fast turnaround
Chimaev is hoping to schedule his third UFC fight in August, UFC President Dana White told Brett Okamoto in an interview with ESPN.
ANALYSIS
Chimaev has made quite a name for himself over the last two weeks, becoming the first ever fighter to pick up two UFC wins in the span of 10 days. He even managed to pick up $50,000 bonuses in both of those dominant efforts while winning the battle of significant strikes 83-to-1 along the way. It's clear Chimaev now needs a big step up in competition, but it remains to be seen if the UFC is willing to offer him a ranked opponent just yet. Fellow middleweight Brendan Allen (orbital) has already thrown his name into the ring, and while he isn't currently ranked, it would be a quality next test for emerging superstar.
Chimaev has made quite a name for himself over the last two weeks, becoming the first ever fighter to pick up two UFC wins in the span of 10 days. He even managed to pick up $50,000 bonuses in both of those dominant efforts while winning the battle of significant strikes 83-to-1 along the way. It's clear Chimaev now needs a big step up in competition, but it remains to be seen if the UFC is willing to offer him a ranked opponent just yet. Fellow middleweight Brendan Allen (orbital) has already thrown his name into the ring, and while he isn't currently ranked, it would be a quality next test for emerging superstar.
Sets new UFC record
Chimaev defeated Rhys McKee via TKO (punches) at 3:09 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
Chimaev's two victories in a 10-day span is a new UFC record. He'll also be taking home a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts. The sample size is obviously extremely small and the level of competition he has faced has been subpar, but Chimaev has the look of a potential future superstar. He blew the doors off John Phillips in his UFC debut a week ago this past Wednesday and followed it up with an equally easy victory over McKee. He grabbed McKee and had him in dire straits roughly two seconds after the opening bell rang. This fight could have been stopped quite a bit earlier by the referee. Simply put, Chimaev is terrifying and there could easily be a scenario in which the UFC pushes him into an immediate fight with title implications. He is entirely legitimate. Enjoy the ride.
Chimaev's two victories in a 10-day span is a new UFC record. He'll also be taking home a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts. The sample size is obviously extremely small and the level of competition he has faced has been subpar, but Chimaev has the look of a potential future superstar. He blew the doors off John Phillips in his UFC debut a week ago this past Wednesday and followed it up with an equally easy victory over McKee. He grabbed McKee and had him in dire straits roughly two seconds after the opening bell rang. This fight could have been stopped quite a bit earlier by the referee. Simply put, Chimaev is terrifying and there could easily be a scenario in which the UFC pushes him into an immediate fight with title implications. He is entirely legitimate. Enjoy the ride.