What’s Next For Khamzat Chimaev?

Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way he and most felt it would.

For five rounds, Chimaev and Strickland went toe-to-toe for the majority of the bout on the feet, flipping the script after fight fans predicted it would be another dominant grappling display from the champion, which has been the norm throughout his career. And while that seemed to be the route it was going after round one, Strickland was determined to not fall victim to Chimaev’s dominate wrestling.

“Tarzan” made the proper adjustments after the opening frame by showing off his takedown defense, which forced Chimaev to change his gameplan and go to his striking attack, which looked to be on point since Strickland’s face started to become a bloody mess thanks to a broken nose. But, to his credit, Strickland wasn’t backing down despite getting peppered with shots, as he was dishing out the punishment, as well, utilizing his jab repeatedly to cause his own damage.

After five rounds of action, the ringside judges were tasked to deliver a verdict which ultimately resulted in Strickland walking home with a razor-thin split-decision and the world title. So what did Strickland do right that other’s couldn’t?

He simply had a better gas tank.

The loss is a crucial one for Chimaev not only because it was his first-ever defeat, but it has prompted him to once again move up in weight, revealing to UFC CEO, Dana White, post-fight that a move up to the Light Heavyweight division was on the horizon. After all, the brutal weight cut he had to endure to make weight may have impacted his performance.

Should Chimaev stick to his guns and make the move up to 205 pounds. a fight against Paulo Costa seems to be the most obvious choice for his debut fight in a new division given their bitter history stemming from a confrontation between the two at the Meta Apex (see it here). Costa is currently ranked No 7 in the division and is coming off a win over Azamat Murzakanov. The two were set to throw down in 2023 before Costa withdrew with a shoulder injury.

That’s why this fight would be an easy sell all the way around and a good bounce back challenge for Chimaev, who could use an impressive win against a formidable foe in order to help erase the memory of losing his undefeated streak and title.

Thoughts?

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