Khamzat Chimaev Film Study
In preparation for UFC 279, I did a film study that covers undefeated UFC welterweight Khamzat Chimaev. This video covers several strengths and weaknesses in Chimaev’s game. These aspects of his game are small details that I picked up while watching film. I recommend watching the video as the visual aspects go a long way in understanding these concepts, but I will also write a short excerpt that recaps the video.
Strength One: Controlling Legs While Grappling
Chimaev excels at controlling his opponent’s legs and lower half while grappling. He does this by getting ankle rides or hooks after he lands a takedown. This helps him control his opponent on the mat after getting a takedown. Once he establishes a dominant position with those techniques he is then able to advance position and look for ground-and-pound or submissions.
Strength Two: Octagon Control
Chimaev’s second strength is his ability to control the octagon. He works a lot to push his opponents up against the fence. He does this by throwing teeps and jabs while making a commitment to walk his opponent down.
Chimaev’s ability to walk his opponent down helps him land powerful strikes. When a fighter has their back up against the cage their angles of escape are minimized and their stance is more sqaure. Chimaev takes advantage of that as he lands powerful strikes.
Weakness One: Getting Hit By Leg Kicks
Chimaev gets hit by leg kicks too frequently. I do not believe this is a massive technical flaw. Instead, it feels like Chimaev does not attempt to defend leg kicks. He rarely checks or counters leg kicks. On occasion, he will move backward to avoid them, but that is uncommon.
This is an issue because Chimaev’s game will be greatly affected if he absorbs too many leg kicks. If his movement is stifled due to damage from kicks it will inhibit his ability to attempt takedowns and control the cage.
Weakness Two: Getting Countered
Chimaev has been hit by counters on multiple occasions. These counters have come most often when Chimaev throws a jab, a flurry of punches, or leg kicks. This is not an uncommon issue for a wrestler that is striking. This is natural as counterstriking is a more advanced area of striking that comes with years of striking experience.
Keys for a Khamzat Chimaev Victory
The keys to a Khamzat Chimaev victory are simple. He needs to get his wrestling going. He is a great wrestler and there is no reason to deviate from that aspect of his game. The same goes for his ability to control the cage. He should continue implementing that strategy. In addition, he should keep his striking simple. He throws a good jab, and straight. He should make use of those tools.
How To Beat Khamzat Chimaev
Beating Chimaev is not an easy task. To start, when Chimaev attempts a takedown, opponents should counter his wrestling with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This should help create space and opportunities to get back to the feet. On the feet, his opponent needs to keep their back off the fence while they land leg kicks. It would also be a good idea to work to the body. Chimaev slowed in his fight with Burns, and Burns did not attempt many body shots. Attacking the body could force Chimaev to tire. That is certainly worth a shot.
