Khamzat Chimaev is making waves in the UFC with his intense wrestling style and undefeated record of 12 wins. The 28-year-old has quickly climbed the UFC rankings, except for welterweight top contender Gilbert Burns, whom he defeated via a split decision.
In his latest bout against Kevin Holland, Chimaev dominated with his wrestling and submitted him in the first round. However, due to weight issues, Chimaev is now competing in the middleweight division, which means he will face a new set of opponents.
Fans have been speculating how Chimaev will fare against middleweight top athletes, and Cody Brundage, a fellow UFC middleweight, believes that only Bo Nickal and former champion Robert Whittaker have sufficient wrestling to go against Chimaev.
Brundage acknowledged Chimaev’s wrestling skills, which he has been honing since a young age. He is certain that if Chimaev takes the action to the ground, Paulo Costa will be no match for him.
“His [Chimaev] wrestling is super elite. I think it’s not a great fight for Paulo Costa… No one’s really wrestled Paulo, we’ve never seen that, but Khamzat will. I don’t see anyone at 85′ [185-pound division], with the exception of maybe Bo Nickal and Robert Whittaker, that can really stop his wrestling. Cause he’s just that good.”
Bo Nickal may be new to the UFC, but he was a freestyle and folkstyle wrestler who won the 2019 U23 World Championship and the US Open National championship. He was also a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion.
During a talk with Sportskeeda, the 28-year-old acknowledged Chimaev’s wrestling skill that he has been honing since a young age.
As of now, Chimaev’s next is yet to be confirmed. However, he is in talks to face ranked number 5 Paulo Costa in Abu Dhabi, where they will be featured in the co-main event.
Chimaev’s impressive wrestling skills make him a scary opponent in the UFC. Fans eagerly await his next fight to see if he can continue his undefeated streak in the middleweight division.