Anthony Smith and Michael Bisping recently delved into the prowess of Khamzat Chimaev on Bisping’s Believe You Me podcast, sparking discussions about the Chechnya-born fighter’s capabilities across weight classes and his upcoming bout against Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia.
Smith expressed admiration for Chimaev’s skill, particularly noting his ability to dominate opponents in the first round regardless of weight class. He asserted that Chimaev could defeat any fighter in the opening round but acknowledged a steep decline in cardio as the fight progressed. Drawing examples from Chimaev’s closely contested bouts against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, Smith highlighted the significance of endurance in longer fights.
Bisping joined the conversation, referencing the Usman fight as a prime example of Chimaev’s initial dominance followed by a decline in subsequent rounds. He praised Usman’s resilience in weathering Chimaev’s onslaught and utilizing his experience to secure a victory. Both Smith and Bisping agreed on the importance of pacing for Chimaev in longer fights, suggesting that maintaining the initial ferocity throughout five rounds might pose a challenge.
Turning their attention to Chimaev’s upcoming bout against Whittaker, Smith speculated on the potential cardio advantage possessed by the former middleweight champion.
While acknowledging Chimaev’s ability to inflict damage early in the fight, Smith hinted at Whittaker’s endurance potentially nullifying Chimaev’s aggression over five rounds. Despite his appreciation for Chimaev’s skill set, Smith cautiously leaned towards Whittaker for the victory, citing the importance of pacing for Chimaev’s effectiveness over the course of the fight.
The discussion surrounding Chimaev’s capabilities and his upcoming clash with Whittaker adds an extra layer of intrigue to the UFC Saudi Arabia event, piquing the interest of fans and pundits alike. As fight night approaches, all eyes will be on Chimaev and Whittaker as they step into the Octagon, with the outcome likely hinging on their respective strategies and endurance.
