Khamzat Chimaev might not sound significantly concerned about it at current, however there is a UFC middleweight championship combat in his close to future. Chimaev overcame a recreation Kamaru Usman within the co-main occasion of UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to come back away victorious.
UFC president Dana White beforehand declared Chimaev vs. Usman a No. 1 contender’s combat for champion Sean Strickland. Chimaev put forth a dominant first spherical and was aggressive throughout the remaining two frames to punch his ticket to gold.
“I did not come right here for the title. I got here to generate income and be glad,” Chimaev stated throughout his post-fight interview. “I used to be in a health club two meters large. I did not have meals.
“It is loopy. I like my job and I am glad at the moment to have cash and meals for my mother.”
Chimaev chipped away at Usman’s record-holding takedown protection with spectacular wrestling and again management. His capability to neutralize Usman earned him 10-8s from all three judges within the first spherical. Regardless of the success within the first spherical, it got here at a value. Reporter Megan Olivi stated after the cardboard that Chimaev advised her backstage that he believes he broke his proper hand through the spherical and it affected the remainder of the combat for him.
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The second and third rounds primarily happened on the toes with Usman seemingly having a slight edge, however Chimaev secured a takedown partway by Spherical 3 that doubtless made the distinction. The combat was declared a majority resolution for Chimaev with two judges scoring it 29-27 in his favor and one ruling it a draw.
Chimaev could also be too anxious in regards to the UFC middleweight title, however he was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt by his coaches.
“This belt means huge issues,” Chimaev stated.
Chimaev was initially scheduled to combat Paulo Costa; nonetheless, Costa was yanked from the cardboard after present process elbow surgical procedure 4 weeks from the combat for a nasty staph an infection. Former UFC welterweight champion Usman agreed to make his middleweight debut on quick discover and put ahead a valiant effort.
Chimaev improved to an ideal 13-0. Usman (20-4) is on his first profession dropping streak after dropping to Chimaev and twice to Leon Edwards.
