Khamzat Chimaev
Division: Middleweight
Result: Khamzat Chimaev def. John Phillips via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 2, 1:12
Record: (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: A
Chechen-Swedish prospect [autotag]Khamzat Chimaev[/autotag] arrived in the UFC and got people very excited for his potential on the big stage as he submitted knockout artist John Phillips in a one-sided debut.
Chimaev wasted no time in taking the Welshman off his feet as he opened up with a thumping body kick, followed by a powerful takedown. With the ever-animated former UFC lightweight Reza Madadi bellowing instructions from his corner, Chimaev delivered a one-sided battering to Phillips as he completely dominated Phillips for the duration of the round to earn two 10-8 scores and one 10-7 to put him firmly in the comfort zone.
Chimaev started Round 2 much as he did in the first as he took Phillips to the mat and took control once again. This time he went all-out for the submission and, after locking up a D’Arce choke, he got the finish his performance richly deserved.
It was a virtual shutout performance from Chimaev, who used his grappling skills to overwhelm a noted striker. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of his performance was the fact that he did it fighting a weight class above his optimal weight of 170 pounds.
We’ll learn more about Chimaev’s true potential when he faces more well-rounded opposition but, if first impressions are anything to go by, Chimaev could well become a serious problem if he returns to welterweight. Plenty of tough tests await him at 170 pounds, and I can’t wait to see how far he can go.
Next up: “The Sniper” passes acid test to claim debut win