Khamzat Chimaev, recognized as one of MMA‘s highest-level wrestlers, has impressed many with his unique approach to grappling, according to Tom Aspinall. The undefeated fighter‘s ground game combines strong wrestling fundamentals with unorthodox techniques, making him a formidable presence in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC.
Chimaev, who holds three Swedish wrestling championships, expertly blends his grappling mastery with skills from other areas of mixed martial arts. Inside the octagon, he consistently threatens opponents with takedowns and submissions, bolstered by credible striking that keeps adversaries wary.
In a recent interview with TNT Sports, UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall highlighted the unconventional tactics Chimaev employs when initiating takedowns. Rather than targeting an opponent’s hips, Chimaev drops low to secure their knees, then pivots behind them to disrupt their balance and bring them down.
The subtlety and unpredictability of this maneuver separate Chimaev from many others in the division and help explain his dominance on the ground.
“Once he gets them here, this is when he is in his world. Then, he’ll get a hook in, ride him out, throw punches, [and] attack the neck. The level of grappling that Khamzat Chimaev brings is, he is so high level.”
—Tom Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion
How Chimaev’s Style Inspires Fellow Fighters Like Tom Aspinall
Chimaev’s impressive performances have not only made him a fan favorite but also inspired other top fighters, including Tom Aspinall. Speaking on Red Corner MMA, Aspinall expressed admiration for Chimaev’s dominant victories, particularly recalling his swift and brutal finish against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308.
During that bout, Chimaev applied relentless pressure from the opening bell, effectively neutralizing Whittaker’s offense. At 3:34 in the first round, he secured a face crank submission that inflicted serious damage, including a broken jaw on Whittaker, cementing Chimaev’s reputation for overwhelming dominance.
“The guy is incredible, absolutely incredible. To do that to Robert Whittaker, it honestly inspires me to be like that, because you go in there and dominate a former champion like that, that easy, without taking any shots, completely one-sided, inspiring man. The guy is incredible.”
—Tom Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion
The Impact of Chimaev’s Wrestling on the Future of UFC Competition
Khamzat Chimaev’s distinct wrestling approach has raised the bar for ground fighting in MMA, compelling even established champions like Aspinall to take note and recalibrate their own strategies. His ability to switch seamlessly between striking and wrestling, combined with unusual takedown setups, makes him a constantly evolving threat.
This blend of technique and power not only secures victories but also influences the sport’s evolving tactics. Fighters analyzing Chimaev’s style may adopt or counter his innovations, reshaping competitive dynamics in the UFC middleweight and welterweight divisions.
As Chimaev continues his UFC journey, the wrestling intricacies that Tom Aspinall highlights suggest that fans and fighters alike can expect fresh evolutions in MMA grappling techniques. The sport’s landscape may well be shifting due to the Chechen-born Emirati’s exceptional skill set and game plan.