UFC commentator Jon Anik has offered advice to Khamzat Chimaev in anticipation of a potential rematch with Sean Strickland.
Chimaev’s defeat to Strickland at UFC 328 surprised many who expected a dominant performance from “Borz.” While Chimaev started strong, Strickland began to take control from the second round. The fighter, originally from Chechnya but representing the UAE, was forced to abandon his typical wrestling-focused style and engage in striking exchanges with Strickland.
After a closely contested five rounds, Strickland secured a split-decision victory over Chimaev.
Many attribute Chimaev’s loss to a difficult weight cut. “Borz” has expressed his desire for an immediate rematch to reclaim the title before pursuing championships in multiple divisions. The UFC has yet to confirm if Chimaev will receive this opportunity. Meanwhile, the reigning two-time middleweight champion, Strickland, is sidelined with a shoulder injury, having recently undergone stem cell therapy.
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Jon Anik discussed his recommendations for Khamzat Chimaev ahead of a potential fight with Sean Strickland. Anik suggests that Chimaev’s team should focus on minimizing energy expenditure, both physical and emotional, during fight week. This, he believes, will ensure Chimaev has sufficient energy on fight night to implement his wrestling, grappling, and dominant style.
Furthermore, the UFC commentator advised Chimaev to adopt a mindset similar to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s, acknowledging that unpredictable events can occur during a fight. Anik suggests that if Chimaev cannot secure a finish against Strickland in a rematch, he should revert to the wrestling-heavy strategy he employed against Dricus du Plessis, rather than focusing solely on striking.
“Khabib’s mentality is that anything can go wrong in a fight, and that’s how you need to approach it if you want to win. If a finish comes, great, but you need to Dricus Du Plessis this guy, Sean Strickland. That needs to be your approach.”
“There was so much energy seemingly expended by Khamzat leading up to the fight. If I were Team Chimaev, I’d be looking at every little thing we do and making sure we conserve as much energy as possible for fight night so we can wrestle, grapple, and impose our dominance on Strickland.”
Chimaev easily defeated du Plessis at UFC 319, landing 529 strikes, achieving 12 takedowns, and maintaining control for 21 minutes and 40 seconds. Although he sought a submission, he ultimately abandoned his initial game plan.
Khamzat Chimaev Can Also Follow Dricus du Plessis’ Game Plan Against Sean Strickland
Dricus du Plessis has not only defeated Sean Strickland but also successfully defended his title against him in a rematch. During these title bouts, du Plessis faced challenges when Strickland effectively used his jab, but the South African fighter persevered. He diversified his attack, secured takedowns, and prevented Strickland from dictating the pace. Whenever Strickland advanced, du Plessis targeted his legs to disrupt his rhythm. In their second encounter, du Plessis also broke Strickland’s nose.
Khamzat Chimaev could learn from Dricus du Plessis’s strategy, as “Stillknocks” has demonstrated a proven method for defeating “Tarzan.”
English Translation:
Jon Anik Believes Khamzat Chimaev Has the Strategy to Defeat Sean Strickland
Jon Anik has some advice for Khamzat Chimaev before the latter faces Sean Strickland again.
Chimaev was defeated by Strickland at UFC 328. The bout, which many anticipated would be a one-sided affair for “Borz,” did not go in his favor. Although the 32-year-old had a strong opening round, “Tarzan” began to take control from the second. The Chechen-born Emirati fighter was forced to abandon his usual wrestling-heavy approach and opted to stand and trade with Strickland.
After five very close rounds, Strickland edged out Chimaev by split decision.
Many believe that a difficult weight cut was the reason for Chimaev’s title loss, and now “Borz” has made it clear that he wants to face Strickland again and reclaim the throne before moving up in pursuit of championship glory in two divisions.
The UFC management has not yet decided if they will grant Chimaev an immediate title rematch. In the meantime, the current two-time middleweight champion is sidelined with a shoulder injury for which he recently underwent stem cell therapy.
During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Jon Anik shared some advice for Khamzat Chimaev before a potential rematch with Sean Strickland. Anik believes Chimaev’s team needs to ensure he doesn’t expend too much energy, whether emotional or physical, during fight week so that on fight night, Chimaev has a full tank to wrestle, grapple, and showcase his dominance.
Secondly, the UFC commentator added that Khamzat Chimaev needs to adopt the same mindset as Khabib Nurmagomedov and understand that anything can happen during a fight. Thus, if “Borz” is unable to secure a finish against Strickland in a rematch, Anik believes he should stick to the wrestling-heavy approach he used against Dricus du Plessis rather than just standing and trading blows. Anik stated:
“Khabib’s mentality is that anything can go wrong in a fight, and that’s how you need to approach it if you want to win. If a finish comes, great, but you need to Dricus Du Plessis this guy, Sean Strickland. That needs to be your approach.”
“There was so much energy seemingly expended by Khamzat leading up to the fight. If I were Team Chimaev, I’d be looking at every little thing we do and making sure we conserve as much energy as possible for fight night so we can wrestle, grapple, and impose our dominance on Strickland.”
Chimaev dethroned du Plessis with ease at UFC 319. In that bout, “Borz” landed a total of 529 strikes, achieved 12 takedowns, and had a control time of 21 minutes and 40 seconds. Although Chimaev hunted for a submission, he failed to get one, but did abandon the game plan.
Khamzat Chimaev Can Also Follow Dricus du Plessis’ Game Plan Against Sean Strickland
Dricus du Plessis has not only dethroned Sean Strickland but also beaten him in a rematch. During those two title bouts, du Plessis had a difficult time whenever Strickland established his jab, but the South African refused to back down. He mixed up his attack, scored takedowns, and never allowed the American to dictate the pace. Whenever Strickland pressed forward, du Plessis consistently targeted his legs to disrupt his rhythm. In the second fight, he also broke Strickland’s nose.
Khamzat Chimaev can take a page out of Dricus Du Plessis’ playbook, as “Stillknocks” has the perfect answer for how to beat “Tarzan.”
