UFC 294: Chimaev inflicts third defeat on Usman
Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, suffered his third consecutive loss in the Octagon, this time to undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. Chimaev improved his record to 13-0 with the victory.
Chimaev wasted no time in getting to work in the opening round, scoring a takedown on Usman early.
He controlled the rest of the round, keeping Usman on his back and threatening with submissions.
Usman tried to slow down the pace of the fight in the second round, but Chimaev was still able to land a takedown in the final 30 seconds.
Usman came out with more energy in the third round, but Chimaev responded with a double-leg takedown that killed Usman’s momentum.
The fight ended with Chimaev and Usman trading strikes on their feet.
Last 15 second of third round | Kamaru usman VS Khamzat chimaev | #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/agZCDA87U0
— worlds loneliest person (@myredempti0n4) October 22, 2023
However, it was clear that Chimaev was the better fighter on the night.
Usman had not defended his welterweight title in five attempts before this fight, and he had lost three consecutive fights, including two to Leon Edwards.
Also Read: UFC: No Plans To Quit Fighting, Says Kamaru Usman
Chimaev had been scheduled to fight Paulo Costa, but Costa pulled out with an elbow injury, and Usman stepped in on 10 days’ notice to take the fight.
Despite the short notice, Chimaev was clearly the better fighter on the night.
Khamzat Chimaev defeats Kamaru Usman via UD at UFC 294
Great fight and closer than most people were expecting
Kamaru had his moments striking but wasn’t enough to over come Khamzat’s grappling
(@ufc) pic.twitter.com/HnXKA7PPhT
— The Octagon Obsessed (@octagonobsessed) October 22, 2023
He showed that he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC, regardless of weight class.
It will be interesting to see what Dana White does with Chimaev next. He is clearly a title contender, but it is unclear if he will stay at middleweight or move back down to welterweight.
