Khamzat Chimaev has just defeated Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. He maintains the undefeated record and extends his winning streak to 11 fights in a row. However, is the aura of invincibility that Chimaev had, is it gone?
There is no question that the fight was one of the greatest 3 round wars ever. It may just be a future contender to be inducted into the UFC Hall Of Fame. But it certainly did some immediate damage to Khamzat Chimaev’s public perception.
These two just left it ALL in the Octagon. What. A. Fight ????
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2022
[ #UFC273 | LIVE on @ESPNPlus PPV: https://t.co/KOluT78H6K ] pic.twitter.com/zTz9bbGVOf
Heading into this fight, The Borz had absorbed 1 significant strike throughout the 4 fights he had prior to tonight’s fight. However, in a sick twist of irony, it seemed as if he was just one significant strike away from getting his lights turned off by Burns. Chimaev was not just sluggish on his feet, he was adamant about not making any alterations to his gameplan despite being in peril of a knockout loss. Even his coach seemed visibly frustrated with Chimaev.
Can Khamzat Chimaev still be a champion in the UFC?
Although his defence on the feet was lacking, Khamzat Chimaev certainly displayed a world-class takedown defence against Gilbert Burns who is easily the most accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in the UFC.
Burns attempted multiple takedowns, but Khamzat seemed to scramble out of it without any issue whatsoever. But that will not be enough if he goes up against other elite contenders such as Colby Covington or the champ Kamaru Usman.
Colby Covington may not be much of a threat on the feet, but Kamaru Usman possesses the power to end the fight with a single punch. The fans witnessed how easily Gilbert Burns was tagging the Swedish fighter. If Khamzat does not sort out a way to avoid the big punches, the aspirations to become the champion anytime soon will have to take a backseat.
The hype is REAL ????
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2022
[ @KChimaev | #UFC273 ] pic.twitter.com/2q8Dyrm6Cs
But it is not all loom and gloom for Khamzat Chimaev. He is clearly the best wrestler in the division. The 27-year old displayed his elite grappling capabilities by taking down the multiple time BJJ world champion. If he can make his offence a bit more wrestling oriented then Khamzat Chimaev will be a force to be reckoned with.
