Khamzat Chimaev exploded onto the hype train after his destruction of John Phillips at UFC Fight Night 172. Not only did Chimaev dominate Phillips, but he also crushed Rhys Mckee just 10 days later. Chimaev only absorbed 2 strikes during 2 fights, that’s unbelievable. But, Chimaev has recently started taking his callouts to twitter and now seems like a Dillion Danis type character (not saying that Danis is good). Chimaev has called for McGregor, Diaz, and Masvidal all in the same night. I think the kid is getting way too far ahead of himself and should win more fights before going for the top dogs.
The Johnny Walker Effect
UFC fans know to never overhype a prospect after what happened to Johnny Walker. For those who don’t know, Johnny Walker was pegged as the Light Heavyweight who was finally going to end Jon Jones’ reign as champ. Walker was handing out Knockouts in the first round left and right. Walker knocked out the best of fighters like Khalil Rountree Jr, Justin Ledet, and Misha Cirukunov. Do you see why he was overhyped? Walker fought actual nobodies and won because he was better than nothing but less than something. Walker lost immediately in his first real challenge against Corey Anderson and then lost again to Nikita Krylov. Chimaev has fought literally nobody in the promotion yet. This isn’t discrediting his dominating wins, but it takes away from their steam.
Fighting Style
Chimaev’s fighting style is “pick the other fighter up, bring him to my corner, and ground and pound for the win”. A high-class opponent like Khabib Nurmagomedov or Kamaru Usman, won’t let that happen. Chimaev will have to change his style of fighting if he wants to be a double champ like he says.
Conclusion
I myself, am a big fan of Chimaev, but I’m worried that the UFC fans are overhyping this diamond. Chimaev cannot be “gassed up” to fight real primetime fighters just yet. Chimaev should fight a top 15 opponent in his next fight though, someone like Neil Magny.