In a recent interview, the coach of renowned UFC stars Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev made a bold claim about rising star Khamzat Chimaev’s grappling abilities. According to the coach, Chimaev’s ground game is on par with that of his highly-decorated pupils.
“I think they’re the same level but they’re different,” the coach stated, comparing Chimaev to Nurmagomedov and Makhachev. “They’re just different, just like Khabib and Islam. They’re the same level but they’re different.”
The coach emphasized that while all three fighters possess elite grappling skills, each has a unique style. “Khamzat is different, he’s not Islam, he’s not Khabib, he’s Khamzat,” he explained, using Chimaev’s name.
When asked to rate their skills on the ground, the coach didn’t hesitate to give all three fighters top marks. “So I would say his rate and his skill set on the ground, I’d say A plus, A plus for Islam, A plus for Khabib but they’re all different. But they’re all A pluses to me.”
This assessment comes as high praise, considering the dominant performances and championship success of both Nurmagomedov and Makhachev in the UFC’s lightweight division. Nurmagomedov retired undefeated with a record of 29-0, while Makhachev currently holds the lightweight title.
Chimaev, who competes in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, has quickly risen through the ranks since his UFC debut in 2020. His grappling prowess has been evident in his performances, with several dominant victories showcasing his ground control and submission skills.
