Since his debut on UFC Fight Island 1, Khamzat Chimaev, affectionately known by fans as ‘Borz’, has been nothing short of a sensation in the UFC middleweight division. With a record that swiftly moved to 3-0, featuring two knockouts and one submission—all within mere seconds of each round—Chimaev has truly set the stage on fire. His performance peaked during a spectacular 17-second knockout of Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 11, which not only showcased his brute strength but also his tactical acumen in the octagon.
The COVID-19 Setback: A Fighter’s Biggest Challenge Yet
However, the tide took a turn when Chimaev tested positive for COVID-19 in late 2020. This diagnosis led to a significant pause in his career, sidelining him for over a year—a period of uncertainty that left fans and critics wondering about his return. Prior to contracting the virus, Chimaev had accumulated only 9:38 total fight time in the UFC, a testament to his efficiency and dominance in the ring.
A Strong Return with Lingering Questions
Upon his return in October 2021, Chimaev appeared to pick up right where he left off, securing a first-round submission against Li Jingliang. This victory was followed by a Fight of the Night-winning bout with Gilbert Burns, which stretched into the third round, and a first-round submission of Kevin Holland. Despite these wins, questions began to surface about Chimaev’s stamina and performance, particularly highlighted in his bout against Burns where he looked visibly fatigued in the third round.
Expert Opinions: Weighing in on Chimaev’s Performance Post-Illness
Josh Thomson, a former UFC lightweight, expressed concerns on the WEIGHING IN podcast, questioning whether Chimaev was “the same fighter” since his illness. Thomson noted, “He hasn’t been the same fighter since pre-COVID. Sure, he finished Robert Whittaker—I’m not gonna take anything away from that. That’s spectacular. But what happens when it gets to the third round?… Look, he looked tired in the third round against Gilbert Burns.”
This perspective sheds light on a potential vulnerability in Chimaev’s game—endurance in longer fights. As Thomson points out, while early round finishes are impressive, the real test may come when Chimaev is pushed beyond his comfort zone in quick victories.
A Dominant Display Against Whittaker: Silence the Doubters?
Despite the skepticism, Chimaev’s recent domination of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 tells a different story. In this bout, Chimaev displayed not just his typical aggressive fighting style but also strategic control, finishing Whittaker with a face crank in just over three minutes. This victory has reignited calls for Chimaev to challenge for the title, with many fans and analysts seeing him as a formidable contender in the division.
Looking Forward: The Path Ahead for Khamzat Chimaev
As the debate continues over Chimaev’s condition and capability post-COVID, his upcoming fights will be crucial in determining his place among UFC’s elite fighters. Will he prove that he can handle the pressures of more extended bouts against top-tier opponents, or will the lingering effects of his illness pose too great a challenge? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—Khamzat Chimaev remains one of the most intriguing figures in the world of mixed martial arts today.
Khamzat Chimaev’s journey through recovery and back into the octagon encapsulates the spirit of resilience. His ability to come back strong, dominate formidable opponents, and stir discussions around his performance underscores his potential to redefine greatness in UFC. As he continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the MMA community will be eagerly watching, ready to witness the next chapter in the saga of ‘Borz’, a fighter who has not only faced down opponents but also the trials of a global pandemic.
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