Khamzat
Chimaev isn’t going to change his style in a sport as
unpredictable as mixed martial arts.
Umar
Nurmagomedov (20-2) was a massive favorite going into his
pivotal clash against Yadong
Song. Nurmagomedov was shooting a takedown when Song timed a
flush uppercut to put his Dagestani counterpart to sleep. Chimaev,
who has a wrestling-heavy approach, is undeterred by the threat of
a knockout while shooting for a takedown.
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Chimaev explains why Nurmagomedov’s loss to Yadong Song won’t
alter his approach
The former
Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder was recently asked
whether he’s going to be more cautious going forward, considering
how Nurmagomedov lost.
“Borz” believes Nurmagomedov will bounce back stronger. As for
himself, Chimaev says he is going to stick to his bread and butter:
wrestling. He notes that an unlucky shot can put anyone to sleep in
a sport like MMA and doesn’t see the point in changing his style
out of fear of being knocked out.
“Unfortunately, Umar lost, but I believe he will be back stronger,”
Chimaev told Red Corner MMA. “He is a guy with vast experience
who’s been doing his thing since he was a kid. But as for myself,
being knocked down or KO’d, I can’t foresee it. I will keep doing
my job. I drill takedowns every day in the gym, so why shouldn’t I
do the same in the Octagon? Everything can happen in our
sport.”
Khamzat
Chimaev believes Umar
Nurmagomedov will come back stronger following his recent loss
to Song Yadong, saying the Dagestani fighter has plenty of
experience and has been competing since he was a kid.“Unfortunately, Umar lost, but I believe he will be back stronger.
He is… pic.twitter.com/PVY2TLzQD0— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
September 7, 2026