Demian Maia

UFC President on Khamzat Chimaev: “I’ve never seen anyone like him”

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Last night at UFC Vegas 11, Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) was supposed to have his toughest test yet. He was going into the octagon against a guy in Gerald Meerschaert (31-14) that was going for the record for most submissions in the UFC middleweight division.

Meerschaert was supposed to pose some interesting challenges for the Russian prospect to overcome. However, Chimaev silenced everyone in just 17 seconds. Chimaev pushed forward and turned the lights out on Meerschaert quick.

UFC Vegas 11 reinforced the fact that Chimaev is supremely talented. Chimaev has great wrestling and he just proved that he possesses dynamite in his hands. After the fight, Dana White said that, “I’ve never seen anyone like him,” referring to Chimaev.

What does the UFC do with Chimaev?

It’s going to be fascinating to see what the UFC decides to do with Chimaev after this performance. Despite him only having three fights, it’s clear that he’s on a completely different level than the guys he’s fighting against. Chimaev is ready for the top ten.

The logical next step for the UFC would be to continue with booking the Demian Maia (28-10) as planned. Maia is a jiu jitsu world champion, and he’s been a top contender for years. He’s currently ranked 7th in the UFC‘s welterweight division.

However, he would be a massive underdog in a fight with Chimaev. There’s no chance in the world that Maia would be able to take down Chimaev, and he can’t strike with him. If Chimaev takes Maia down, I’m not sure Maia would be able to submit him through the shots he’d take.

It’s crazy to sit here and say that a legend like Demian Maia would have no chance, but I can’t see him having a chance. Khamzat Chimaev is not a normal prospect. He’s very special, and I think the UFC should turn up the competition, but be smart. Chimaev has superstar written all over him.

 

UFC working on two fights for Khamzat Chimaev including Demian Maia

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The biggest breakout star from the UFC‘s first run on Fight Island was Khamzat Chimaev (8-0). Chimaev fought twice in ten days and completely dominated both opponents. Chimaev scored finishes in both of those fights.

Once the UFC returned to the US, Chimaev let it be known that he wanted to fight again as quickly possible. However, visa issues have caused Chimaev to sit on the sidelines. Those issues have been resolved, and according to Dana White, the UFC has two fights in the works for Chimaev.

“I think he (Chimaev) gets here Sunday or Monday. He’ll fight here and he’ll fight on Fight Island,” White said during a media scrum. When asked about potential opponents, White said, “We’re still working on a fight for him here, but we’re talking about him and Demian Maia on Fight Island.”

Building the UFC’s Next Star

This is probably the first time I’ve ever heard the UFC and Dana White planning out a contender’s future opponent without announcing his next opponent. Chimaev has become a sensation since his fights in July. Still, I’m a little shocked that White discussed the Maia fight on Fight Island. Especially considering he didn’t say who Chimaev is going to fight on September 19th.

Based on the UFC‘s assumption that he will get through the September 19th fight, I wouldn’t expect someone of significance in that matchup. It’s clear that the UFC is booking Chimaev’s next fight as a showcase fight to setup the Maia fight.

Demian Maia (28-10) would be a big step up for Chimaev. Maia is arguably the best jiu jitsu practitioner in the UFC. He’s challenged for the title a couple of times and he’s currently ranked seventh in the welterweight division.

If Chimaev smashes his next opponent then smashes Maia on Fight Island, he realistically is only going to be one or two wins away from a UFC title shot. It looks like the promotion is putting Chimaev on the fast track.

UFC: Khamzat Chimaev wants another quick turnaround

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If there was one fighter that became a star from the UFC‘s trip to Fight Island it was Khamzat Chimaev (8-0). Chimaev fought twice in ten days, smashing both of his opponents.

The numbers that Chimaev put up in his first couple of fights were just insane. Chimaev outstruck his two opponents 192-2 in his two fights. Think about that dominance for just a second. Chimaev is an absolute animal.

The one thing that Dana White loves is a fighter who’s hungry, and Chimaev is definitely hungry. “Borz” has been begging White for another fight at UFC 252. White seems to be all for it saying, “He wants to fight now again in August. I’m going to get him what he wants.”

Top UFC contender now?

Chimaev currently only has eight fights, but he doesn’t look like someone who’s still trying to figure it out. He looks like a killer already and he’s hungry to keep fighting.

Chimaev’s smooth confidence is another thing that is going to make him extremely popular with fans. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani said yesterday he believes that Chimaev can already compete with the top five of the UFC‘s welterweight division.

The UFC is trying to get Chimaev a fight, but it looks like he’s already been throwing a few names out there.

Chimaev has called out former title challenger, Demian Maia (28-10) and top ten UFC contender, Michael Chiesa (17-4). To be honest, I think Chimaev beats both of them right now.

I’m on the same boat as Helwani in my belief in this guy. Maia presents an interesting challenge considering his grappling capabilities, but it’s going to be hard to submit a guy with the level of output as Chimaev.

I think you’re going to see Chimaev get fast-tracked. With his skillset, I think he would fair better on this track than others with more of a striking background would. He’s a problem for anyone that steps across the octagon from him.

 

 

UFC: Gilbert Burns looking to cement his fighter of the year status on July 11th

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Entering 2020, not a lot of people were thinking about Gilbert Burns (19-3) as a top contender in the UFC‘s welterweight division. Sure, Burns had won four fights in a row, but his best win came against Gunnar Nelson at UFC Fight Night 160. While that’s a quality win, nobody was putting him on that elite level. Burns got his first shot to prove his eliteness back in March against Demian Maia (28-10).

Gilbert Burns UFC Ascension

Burns responded by knocking out Maia in the first round. It was clear that Burns was ready for the next step. Burns was calling out top competition after his win, and the UFC gave him what he asked for. Burns was slated to fight former champion, Tyron Woodley (19-5-1), in May. Many people (including myself) thought a motivated Woodley would win the fight. However, from the opening minute, it became very evident that those pundits were wrong.

Burns ran through Woodley as if the former UFC champion didn’t even belong in the cage with Burns. “Durinho” has completely taken off in 2020. Burns is elite on the ground, and he’s become incredibly dangerous on his feet with a fantastic combination of speed and power. Following the win, Burns called out his now former teammate and current UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman (16-1). Usman was initially scheduled to fight Jorge Masvidal, but contract disputes nixed that fight. Burns got the shot at UFC 251 instead.

2020 Male Fighter of the Year (So Far)

In the span of four months, Burns has the opportunity to go from being a top ten welterweight to being the best in the world. The run that Burns is on is truly remarkable. Now, winning the UFC title is not going to be easy. Usman is extremely well-rounded himself with a very strong wrestling game. It’ll be interesting to see the grappling exchanges with a top level wrestler and a top level jiu jitsu practitioner.

ESPN released their mid-year awards and named Burns the Co-Fighter of the Year along with lightweight Justin Gaethje. No disrespect to Gaethje, but this award belongs to Burns. Two incredibly dominant wins, and now he has the chance to win the title in July. If Burns can beat Kamaru Usman next week, he could step away until January and still win 2020 male fighter of the year in the UFC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WITvWTmUYxc