5 reasons why the UFC should book the rumored Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington matchup
Khamzat Chimaev is one of the hottest properties in MMA. The undefeated Chechen wrestler has captured the imagination of UFC fans across the globe. The mystique of the seemingly unstoppable power-punching grappler has led to enormous interest in various matchups.
As he is capable of fighting at both welterweight and middleweight, there is a desire among fans to see 'Borz' crowned as a double champion. While his path seems easier now given that the likes of Leon Edwards and Alex Pereira rule the two divisions in which 'Borz' competes, another matchup looms over either.
After Khamzat Chimaev's spectacular weigh-in failure at UFC 279, the MMA community at large demanded evidence that he could still hit the welterweight limit. With one more chance to win over his detractors, a matchup with Colby Covington was brought up.
Furthermore, the UFC have expressed serious interest in booking the bout. There are multiple reasons why the promotion should schedule the bout. This list explores five of those reasons.
#5. It's an interesting style matchup
Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev are both wrestlers with serviceable striking. However, there are key stylistic differences between them. Colby Covington is an expert at using his cardio and forward pressure to create chaotic kickboxing exchanges.
The chaos he creates is accomplished in two ways. First, by constantly pushing his foes back, the former interim champion keeps them out of position. Since they're constantly moving backwards, his opponents can't maintain a solid base to defend takedowns.
Second, the sheer pace and high volume that 'Chaos' imposes on his foes forces his opponents into a purely reactive state. This allows him to dictate the entire bout. Khamzat Chimaev is a different beast. His striking doesn't revolve around creating chaotic exchanges.
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Instead, 'Borz' always tries to position his lead foot on the outside of his opponent's lead foot to align their chins with his rear hand. This sets up his powerful right hand for knockout blows. Additionally, the Chechen phenom makes liberal use of body-kicks to create openings for takedowns.
By baiting opponents into squaring their hips to try and counter him while he's standing on one leg mid-kick, 'Borz' ducks under the counter for a takedown. Khamzat Chimaev also differs from his divisional rivals on the mat. While 'Chaos' is more focused on controlling his foes, 'Borz' is more violent.
Whether he is trying to secure submissions or deal damage via ground-and-pound, Khamzat Chimaev is always intent on finishing his foes. While their wrestling is close in terms of quality, the Chechen's grappling on the ground is superior. Specifically, the American's defensive grappling is concerning.
Like many American wrestlers, Colby Covington has a habit of turning to his front and using his hands and feet to stand up. Doing so exposes his back and neck. This would enable a submission specialist like Khamzat Chimaev to mount his back and secure a rear-naked choke.
#4. The matchup would be easy to promote
Despite the wrestling prowess that Khamzat Chimaev has showcased in his career thus far, his detractors still have questions. Some have questioned the merits of his credentials as a wrestler for the Swedish national team. New UFC signee Bo Nickal recently questioned the strength of the Chechen's accomplishments.
This would almost certainly be weaponized by Colby Covington during the leadup to a potential bout. The well-known trash-talker, whom 'Borz' himself claimed he could outwrestle, will certainly have something to say. Furthermore, Colby Covington's penchant for using his American nationality will be front and center.
BREAKING: Winner gets a title shot. Khamzat Chimaev vs Colby Covington officially in the works for UFC 285 on Mar. 4. It will be 5 rounds. https://t.co/F8ZtfOaKjH
Since the undefeated phenom was born in Chechnya, which is a Russian republic, 'Chaos' will certainly target that with an "America vs. Russia" narrative. Additionally, Khamzat Chimaev's failure to make weight against Nate Diaz will also be targeted.
From the UFC's standpoint, there's little they have to do to promote the bout. However, if they opt for a direction, the matchup can easily be marketed as a title eliminator.
#3. Colby Covington needs to prove himself against an opponent coming off a win
There's been a recent trend in Colby Covington's career. With the exception of his two title fights against Kamaru Usman, 'Chaos' hasn't faced an opponent coming off a win since 2018. The last time the former All-American did so was when he defeated Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225.
It has been a source of significant criticism. Worse still, the former interim champion hasn't fought anyone other than Kamaru Usman, who is ranked in the top ten at welterweight. Thus, 'Chaos' is in a position where he must prove himself against the current crop of 170'ers.
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He can no longer expect to earn title fights by defeating foes who are either on losing streaks or coming off a loss. Khamzat Chimaev is more than a suitable foe. The undefeated Chechen recently defeated Gilbert Burns and is a big name in the division. A win against him would certainly earn 'Chaos' a third crack at the title.
Similarly, a win over Covington would earn Chimaev a title fight given the American's status as a former interim champion.
#2. Khamzat Chimaev must prove he can make 170 lbs again
Observers have always noted that 'Borz' is a massive 170'er. No one at welterweight can match his size and physicality. It's to the extent that the undefeated Chechen also doubles as a middleweight. Thus, there have always been concerns about his ability to make weight.
However, Khamzat Chimaev always delivered. Unfortunately, his fortunes changed at the weigh-ins for his most recent PPV outing. The Chechen grappler set foot on the scale and found himself seven and a half pounds above the welterweight limit. It was shocking and led to widespread condemnation from the MMA world.
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Welterweight or Middleweight?
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Many, including UFC President Dana White himself, argued that perhaps Khamzat Chimaev's future lies in the middleweight division instead. As a fighter, he cannot be trusted as a potential champion if he cannot reliably make weight. Now the undefeated wrestler will have a chance to prove that he can do exactly that.
If a bout between him and Colby Covington is booked, he must deliver outside and inside the octagon. Given that the bout would likely be a main event, 'Borz' cannot afford another weigh-in mishap.
#1. The bout will determine the next title challenger
At the moment, there is no clear number one contender for Leon Edwards' welterweight title other than Kamaru Usman. While 'The Nigerian Nightmare' certainly deserves an immediate rematch, there needs to be a clear title challenger for whomever emerges victorious from the bout.
Colby Covington is currently enjoying a win against former friend Jorge Masvidal. Unfortunately, a win against a fighter on a losing streak isn't enough to warrant a third title fight. He needs a second win after suffering back-to-back defeats in every undisputed title fight he's partaken in.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Colby Covington is reportedly in the works for UFC 285 on March 4th.
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Additionally, Khamzat Chimaev has long since taken aim at the upper echelon of the division. However, he always lacked a signature win over an opponent ranked in the top five. While defeating Gilbert Burns silenced many doubters, Colby Covington has always sat higher in the divisional hierarchy.
A win over him would leave 'Borz' in undeniable territory as far as a title fight is concerned. Furthermore, it will magnify the undefeated grappler's starpower.