"It's not rocket science"- UFC legend compares training for Khamzat Chimaev to Tito Ortiz while breaking down his fighting style
A UFC legend recently compared Khamzat Chimaev's training routine to that of former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz and analyzed his fighting style. He noted that it is very difficult to defeat 'Borz' because of the commitment it takes to prepare for what he brings to the octagon.
The middleweight contender is unbeaten in his professional career and has become known for overwhelming his opponents with his relentless takedowns. Chimaev most recently earned a dominant submission win over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker after repeatedly taking him down before submitting him with a face crank.
During his latest appearance on Red Hawk Recap, UFC legend Randy Couture told host Tim Welch that 'Borz' uses his wrestling to force his opponents to give up their back position for submissions.
Couture explained how to prepare for a fighter like Chimaev and made the comparison to Ortiz, but mentioned that the Hall of Famer would instead put himself in a position to land elbows:
"You're gonna have to put yourself in a bunch of those situations in a good 10 or 12 week camp and be ready to have counters and answers and out wrestling in those circumstances. Not concede...It's no different than preparing to fight a guy like Tito [Ortiz]. 96% of Tito's fights are won by securing that takedown and floating over a guy and landing those elbows and smothering them...It's not rocket science, it's the same thing." [40:45]
Check out the full episode featuring Randy Couture's comments regarding Khamzat Chimaev below:
UFC legend Randy Couture describes specific positions to work on to prepare for Khamzat Chimaev
In addition to breaking down Khamzat Chimaev's fighting style and comparing it to Tito Ortiz, UFC legend Randy Couture also describes specific positions for fighters to work on to ensure they're prepared to fight 'Borz'.
During the aforementioned appearance, Couture mentioned that fighters need to replicate what Chimaev brings by forcing themselves in a position to defend constant takedowns and leg ties on the ground:
"That's what you have to prepare for, you have to put yourself in those situations. Have guys relentlessly pursuing you to put you on the ground. Trying, you know, shackle your ankles, that Dagestani leg irons and tie you up and smother you and force you to turn to quarter position." [40:26]
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's post-fight interview following his latest win at UFC 308 below: