The Khamzat Chimaev camp prefers to score a lengthy and dominant win over Nate Diaz at UFC 279 over a quick finish.
Khamzat Chimaev Camp Wants Dominant Win Over Diaz
Chimaev’s coach, Andreas Michael was interviewed by ESPN ahead of UFC 279 this weekend. There, Chimaev will headline the pay-per-view (PPV) against Diaz.
Many are picking Chimaev to secure the victory rather easily against Diaz, who has struggled with wrestlers the caliber of Chimaev in the past.
However, Michael notes that he’d much prefer to see Chimaev put on a clinic over the course of five rounds, showcasing his skillset and dominating.
“Of course every coach, every fighter wants to win fast and furious and quick,” Michael said. “But at the end of the day, you have to respect that these guys are at the top for a reason.
“You can’t just be putting them away in the blink of an eye. You have to be more tactical, you have to be more aware of what’s happening.
“So you’re not getting lowered into different situation where you open yourself up. I wouldn’t be sad if we won in the first round.
“But I would prefer if he put on a clinic, and showed his skills for five rounds. And just totally dominated.
“That to me is a masterpiece. I would prefer that, but I wouldn’t be crying if he finished it in the first round either.”
Chimaev is certainly on the cusp of securing a shot at the welterweight title. Diaz is easily the biggest name Chimaev has ever fought in the UFC, and a victory over the Stockton slugger would bolster his name in a huge way.
Entering the contest this weekend, Chimaev is 11-0 in mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, with his most recent victory coming against Gilbert Burns in April.
As for Diaz, he’s on a two-fight losing streak, entering the final fight on his UFC contract. He’s set to be a free agent after his fight with Chimaev concludes.
If he’s somehow able to pull off a major upset upon his exit, it will make for a very interesting story coming out of fight night in Las Vegas this weekend.
