‘Khabib-ish’ Khamzat Chimaev’s ‘Issues’ Ring Alarms Ahead UFC Saudi Arabia Clash With Robert Whittaker

MMA fans are all geared up to watch Khamzat Chimaev, who is back in action after a long break. ‘Borz’ was last seen at UFC 294, where he took on former champion Kamaru Usman. The 29-year-old put up a dominant performance and won the fight via decision. Chimaev will now make a comeback in Saudi Arabia against Robert Whittaker on June 22.

The fight has already gathered a lot of attention, and the experts have started to offer their views on it. Josh ‘The Punk’ Thomson and Big John McCarthy analyzed the upcoming fight in their recent podcast and during the conversation, Thomson pointed out a few problem areas for ‘Borz’. Let us find out what he had to say.

UFC insider showed his concern for Khamzat Chimaev in his recent podcast

29-year-old Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC. His performance inside the Octagon has earned him a lot of fans lately. However, he did have his own set of problems after his last fight at UFC 294. He suffered from illness and was hospitalized, which hampered his chances of winning the title. Now the 29-year-old has recovered and is desperate to go for the title next. His next opponent is one of the most lethal fighters in the division and is fresh off a victory from his last fight. Before his much-awaited comeback, Josh Thomson shared his opinion on the 29-year-old.

While speaking to Big John McCarthy, he said, “There’s something about him that makes people want to watch him fight. It’s his aggressiveness, his carelessness, his recklessness, all those things. The way he talks trash very Khabib-ish. I just don’t believe that he has been the same since he had covid. His lungs, I think, are f…d up. I think his conditioning or cardio. Sure, he’s been fighting at a good pace. I just believe there’s some underlying issues that he just hasn’t been able to figure out. So hopefully he gets it figured out. But look if this fight goes into the third, fourth and fifth. I think it’s going to be all Robert Whittaker. “

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Many experts along with Josh Thomson believe that Whittaker has a slight advantage in the fight. ‘The Reaper’ is one of the most conditioned athletes in the division and a former champion. Chimaev will be making a comeback in a five-round fight and Mike Harrington exactly knows what to do to win the fight.

Mike Harrington shares his tactics with Khamzat Chimaev before his fight

Michael Bisping recently took to his YouTube channel to discuss the upcoming fight. The former UFC middleweight champion along with Mike Harrington analyzed the battle. ‘The Count’ pointed out as to how the 29-year-old gases out in fights despite being a powerhouse. He also mentioned how a five-round fight will be challenging for the unbeaten Swede on his return. While the former champion pointed out the flaws Harrington on the other hand came up with a solution. According to him the best chance for Chimaev to win the fight will be in the first two rounds. 

He said, “If he [Khamzat] can’t finish him [Robert] early that could be a disastrous night for him in Saudi Arabia….If Robert Whittaker gets beaten typically you know it in that first round. Harrington then shared his advice and said, “so empty the gas tank early and hope for the best Khamzat.”  ‘Borz’  will be desperate to prove a point when he takes on ‘The Reaper’ on June 22. However, he will have to be at his best to come out on top against a former champion. Who do you think will win the fight in Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments below.

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