- Michael Bisping provided a lengthy analysis on Khamzat Chimaev’s performance at UFC 273
- “The Count” said Chimaev thought he can quickly take out Gilbert Burns
- The Brit is certain “Borz” will not be derailed
Gilbert Burns is by far the toughest fighter Khamzat Chimaev has ever faced inside the octagon. But while many have credited the Brazilian’s durability, Michael Bisping reckoned that “Borz” also committed a number of mistakes.
A learning experience
Providing a detailed Burns vs. Chimaev analysis on his YouTube Channel, Bisping said that it was ultimately an entertaining fight. However, he also pointed out that had Chimaev not come in “a little bit overconfident,” he could’ve gotten the better of “Durinho.”
Overall, “The Count” concluded that it was a great learning experience for “Borz.”
“I don’t think anyone didn’t enjoy that fight and I think for Khamzat it was such a great fight for his development as a fighter, for his evolution as a fighter,” Bisping assessed.
“Khamzat’s gonna learn and grow from that because he approached that fight — I think Khamzat went into that one a little bit overconfident. I’m not saying he rested on his laurels, I’m not saying he was complacent in training camp… but I think he went in there expecting to steamroll Gilbert Burns. He thought he would just go right through him, and you can’t always think that.”
‘He went in there with no real game plan’
Another important thing Bisping noted was that he believes Chimaev failed to utilize his size advantage over Burns because he evidently went in there without a solid game plan. Instead, the 27-year-old relied on his power and just waited for a stunning knockout.
“He thought he was gonna walk through him and he went in there with no real game plan,” Bisping speculated. “Khamzat’s a much bigger guy, he’s a much longer guy, he’s got way longer arms, way longer reach. He could’ve made that a tougher fight for Gilbert if he’d have just employed a bit of strategy… But he didn’t do that.
“He just went straight forward, stuck in the pocket, took away his own reach advantage, and threw down, and in a fight like that, anyone can win.”
Chimaev keeps his head high
Despite losing, many were convinced that Burns humbled Chimaev. For Bisping, the Swede proved that he’s a real warrior and he will not be derailed by the criticisms.
“Some people, when they start hitting adversity, they wilt and they look for a way out, but Khamzat Chimaev isn’t that guy,” he assumed. “Khamzat definitely showed last night he can be a hammer and a nail, so he’s got all the ingredients.”
Chimaev is expected to climb up in the rankings and is likely to face No. 1 welterweight contender Colby Covington next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVtrlp5-D7Q
