Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal has voiced strong disapproval of UFC middleweight king Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach to fighting. Masvidal suggests that Chimaev avoids striking exchanges, opting instead to control opponents on the ground due to apprehension.
Chimaev secured the UFC middleweight belt at UFC 319 last year, dominating Dricus du Plessis. Throughout the five-round championship bout, “Borz” predominantly relied on his wrestling prowess, maintaining control for over 21 minutes, executing 12 takedowns, and landing 529 total strikes, though only 37 were significant.
While technically dominant, Chimaev’s wrestling-centric performance against Du Plessis left many fans, including Masvidal, feeling underwhelmed by what some called a “snoozefest.”
Jorge Masvidal Takes Digs at Khamzat Chimaev
During a recent podcast appearance, “Gamebred” elaborated on his disapproval, stating that while Chimaev might be a superior wrestler, his style doesn’t align with true fighting. Masvidal argued that Chimaev’s tendency to merely hold opponents down, without actively seeking a finish or improving his position, stems from fear, effectively “running out the clock” rather than engaging. He vehemently stated:
“Just sit there and sniff crotches. You have a chance to strike, but you’re just holding the guy down because you’re scared they’re going to get away. Yeah, you’re a better wrestler, but that’s not fighting.”
Chimaev’s first middleweight title defense is scheduled for UFC 328, where he will face former training partner and now rival, Sean Strickland.
Masvidal believes Strickland will present a much tougher challenge than Du Plessis. He predicted that “Tarzan” will prove difficult to control on the ground, asserting that the American fighter will exhaust Chimaev and test him across all facets of MMA.
“Strickland might be the first guy that challenges Chimaev in that realm. Even if Chimaev gets a takedown, he’s going to have to work even harder to hold Strickland down.”
Separately, Joe Pyfer expressed his desire for Sean Strickland to win, also noting his dissatisfaction with Chimaev’s recent inactivity.