Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294
KAMARU USMAN VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV FACTS
When is UFC 294? Saturday 21 October, 2023 - 17:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 294? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 294?
What channel is UFC 294 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC 294? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
KAMARU USMAN VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV LOWDOWN
Kamaru Usman (20-3) saves the co-main event by stepping up to middleweight to take on the bogeyman of the division. Paulo Costa pulls out of his seventh UFC fight which is gutting for everyone, but Usman provides an exciting and very different match-up. After 15 straight UFC wins including five welterweight title defences cementing his pound-for-pound status, is aura of invincibility was snapped by Leon Edwards. The Brummie snatched the strap with that unforgettable fifth-round head kick knockout and then followed it up with a majority decision of utter class. Instead of keeping out of the spotlight and licking his wounds, Usman has stepped up to the plate in Abu Dhabi.
Khamzat Chimaev (12-0) also deserves credit for accepting a completely different challenge. He now has to adapt from preparing for a raw knockout artist to an elite wrestler with a wealth of championship-round experience. However, when you have never lost a fight, what is there to be worried about? The only opponent Chimaev has not steamrolled in the first round was Gilbert Burns where he earnt a unanimous decision in an educational war. He is now coming off a quick mauling and submission of Kevin Holland back at UFC 279 and was planning to do the same to Costa, but now may need to alter the strategy here.
KAMARU USMAN VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV PREDICTION
It will be very interesting to see how Chimaev approaches this. Against Costa, he was expected to charge at him, take him down, beat him up a bit and cinch up a submission. However, Usman is one of the most difficult fighters to take down on the entire roster and his cardio and versatility will only make him more of a problem as the fight goes on.
Despite this being at 185 lbs, Usman will not be giving up a weight advantage and he will be more powerful than usual. Where Chimaev has the advantage is his explosiveness. If he can time his takedowns and keep Usman guessing with his 1-2, he can put him on his back.
However, those opportunities will only come in the first two rounds while he has the energy. We feel Usman only has to weather the early storm to begin breaking him down with his jab and controlling the grappling exchanges.
Chimaev must respect the skills of Usman which may lead to a more cautious opening which will be smart, but it is hard to see Chimaev pacing himself especially as this is only three rounds. The first round could be mayhem, but if Usman can survive, we back him to control round two and three in what is likely to be more of a stand-up battle.
Prediction: Usman via Decision
Value bet: Chimaev to win
KAMARU USMAN VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV FACTS
When is UFC 294? Saturday 21 October, 2023 - 17:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 294? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 294?
What channel is UFC 294 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC 294? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
KAMARU USMAN VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV LOWDOWN
Kamaru Usman (20-3) saves the co-main event by stepping up to middleweight to take on the bogeyman of the division. Paulo Costa pulls out of his seventh UFC fight which is gutting for everyone, but Usman provides an exciting and very different match-up. After 15 straight UFC wins including five welterweight title defences cementing his pound-for-pound status, is aura of invincibility was snapped by Leon Edwards. The Brummie snatched the strap with that unforgettable fifth-round head kick knockout and then followed it up with a majority decision of utter class. Instead of keeping out of the spotlight and licking his wounds, Usman has stepped up to the plate in Abu Dhabi.
Khamzat Chimaev (12-0) also deserves credit for accepting a completely different challenge. He now has to adapt from preparing for a raw knockout artist to an elite wrestler with a wealth of championship-round experience. However, when you have never lost a fight, what is there to be worried about? The only opponent Chimaev has not steamrolled in the first round was Gilbert Burns where he earnt a unanimous decision in an educational war. He is now coming off a quick mauling and submission of Kevin Holland back at UFC 279 and was planning to do the same to Costa, but now may need to alter the strategy here.
KAMARU USMAN VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV PREDICTION
It will be very interesting to see how Chimaev approaches this. Against Costa, he was expected to charge at him, take him down, beat him up a bit and cinch up a submission. However, Usman is one of the most difficult fighters to take down on the entire roster and his cardio and versatility will only make him more of a problem as the fight goes on.
Despite this being at 185 lbs, Usman will not be giving up a weight advantage and he will be more powerful than usual. Where Chimaev has the advantage is his explosiveness. If he can time his takedowns and keep Usman guessing with his 1-2, he can put him on his back.
However, those opportunities will only come in the first two rounds while he has the energy. We feel Usman only has to weather the early storm to begin breaking him down with his jab and controlling the grappling exchanges.
Chimaev must respect the skills of Usman which may lead to a more cautious opening which will be smart, but it is hard to see Chimaev pacing himself especially as this is only three rounds. The first round could be mayhem, but if Usman can survive, we back him to control round two and three in what is likely to be more of a stand-up battle.
