The MMA world is abuzz with the rising star of Chechen-Swedish fighter Khamzat Chimaev. With an undefeated record of 9-0 and three spectacular wins in less than two months, he has captured the attention of fans and fighters alike. But amidst all the hype and aura of invincibility, there is one man who believes he has the blueprint to beat Chimaev – Colby Covington.
The former interim welterweight champion, known for his trash-talking and relentless style, has been vocal about Chimaev’s weaknesses and has even offered some advice to upcoming contender Nassourdine Imavov on how to defeat the middleweight champion. As Imavov inches closer to a title shot, let’s take a closer look at Covington’s strategy and what it could mean for the future of Chimaev.
It’s no secret that Chimaev’s strength lies in his relentless ground and pound and dominating grappling skills. In his three UFC fights, he has showcased his ability to control the fight on the ground, overpowering his opponents with his strength and aggression. But Covington believes that Chimaev’s game plan is predictable and can be countered.
According to Covington, the key to beating Chimaev is to “give him a dose of his own medicine.” This means taking the fight to the ground and using strong wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills to neutralize Chimaev’s ground game. Covington, who is known for his wrestling background, believes that Imavov has the skills to execute this game plan successfully.
Another aspect that Covington highlights is Chimaev’s cardio. In his last fight against Gerald Meerschaert, Chimaev seemed to tire in the later rounds, giving a glimmer of hope to his opponents. Covington believes that Imavov should focus on outlasting Chimaev and taking him into deep waters, where his cardio might falter and give Imavov an opportunity to take control of the fight.
But executing this strategy would be no easy feat. Chimaev is a dominant force in the octagon, and his confidence and aggression make him a formidable opponent. It would take a fighter with immense mental fortitude and physical prowess to execute Covington’s game plan.
However, Imavov, with his impressive record of 10-3 and his well-rounded skills in striking and grappling, seems to fit the bill. The French fighter has shown his ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground, making him a versatile and dangerous opponent for Chimaev.
But it’s not just about the game plan; Imavov would also need to have the right mindset to defeat Chimaev. This is where Covington’s influence could prove crucial. Imavov has already stated that he is open to learning from Covington and has even trained with him in the past. With Covington’s mentorship and guidance, Imavov could be the one to finally shatter Chimaev’s aura of inevitability.
In the end, it all boils down to execution. Chimaev is undoubtedly a formidable opponent, and defeating him would require a perfect game plan and flawless execution. But if anyone can do it, it seems like Nassourdine Imavov might be the one. With Colby Covington’s advice and guidance, he could be the fighter to finally give Chimaev his first defeat in the octagon.
But regardless of the outcome, this potential matchup between Chimaev and Imavov has fight fans excited and intrigued. It could be a battle of two dominant forces, both determined to come out on top. Only time will tell if Colby Covington’s blueprint to beat Chimaev will come to fruition, but one thing is for sure – the future of MMA is looking bright with these rising stars in the mix.
