"What is it that you've seen from Chimaev with his stand-up that makes you think he's a natural?" - Chael Sonnen argues Robert Whittaker's claim of Khamzat Chimaev being a bad matchup for Colby Covington

UFC welterweight contenders Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington are reportedly in talks to face off in a five-round fight at UFC 285 with a title opportunity on the line.

In a recent appearance on Submission Radio, No.1-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker shared that he believes Chimaev is a terrible matchup for Covington. However, former UFC contender and current MMA analyst Chael Sonnen disagrees.

.@robwhittakermma picks Khamzat Chimaev to beat Colby Covington:

"Khamzat for Colby is a bad match-up ... stylistically, fight-wise, I think that's a terrible fight for Colby.”

🎥: youtu.be/Y6RX1rAN4Uw https://t.co/YNLuQIzzob

During the latest episode of his Beyond the Fight Podcast, Sonnen disputed the notion that Covington couldn't stand up with Chimaev, stating:

"Where did this come from that Colby can't stand up with Chimaev? What is it that you've seen from Chimaev within his stand up that makes you think he's a natural? He may well be. I've heard the rumors and the reputations. I know how highly I think of Chimaev. I'm asking what is it you've seen?"

He further added:

"With what piece of evidence did Colby look like he was stumbling around on his feet and this wasn't natural for him? His hands are up, his chind is down, he's charging forward, he's bouncing, he's slipping, everything is in combination. What part of that appears to be a struggle?"

It will be interesting to see Covington's strategy facing a fellow elite wrestler in Chimaev. While the No.1-ranked welterweight is not known for his stand-up abilities, he has improved in that department to the point where Sonnen feels he won't be overwhelmed.

Watch Chael Sonnen discuss Robert Whittaker's claims about Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington below (starting at the 7:40 mark):

Henry Cejudo shares the advantage Colby Covington has over Khamzat Chimaev

Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev are reportedly in talks to finally meet in the octagon. Former double champ Henry Cejudo recently shared one aspect that he thinks will give Covington an advantage.

Speaking on the latest episode of his YouTube channel, Cejudo stated:

"What makes Colby Covington good is the fact that he has a gas tank. That's what he is. His spirit of American-style wrestling with the gas tank that he has, and I think that's what really makes Colby Covington dangerous."

Covington's gas tank has been his biggest advantage throughout his career. Chimaev has never competed in a five-round fight, let alone gone the distance. It remains to be seen how the No.3-ranked welterweight will respond if he is unable to put his opponent away early and is forced to go the distance.

Watch Henry Cejudo breakdown the potential matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington below: