Khamzat Chimaev has proven to be a puzzle few can solve, dominating the UFC with his relentless grappling. Randy Couture, a former UFC champion and wrestling legend, believes he has the strategy to stop Chimaev in his tracks.
Randy Couture Shares the Key to Outsmarting Khamzat Chimaev’s Wrestling Style
Speaking on the Red Hawk Recap podcast with coach Tim Welch, Couture explained how preparation in training is key to standing a chance against Chimaev. He emphasized the importance of repeatedly simulating the positions Chimaev forces his opponents into, particularly his ability to take their backs.
“You have to put yourself in those situations,” Couture explained. “Have guys relentlessly pursuing you to put you on the ground. Shackle your ankles in that Dagestani leg irons and tie you up and smother you and force you turn to quarter position. I mean, we’ve seen that style time and time again. You’re gonna have to put yourself in a bunch of those situations in a good 10 or 12-week camp and be ready to have counters and answers and out-wrestle in those circumstances.”
Couture pointed out that many fighters make the mistake of conceding back control to Chimaev, which leads to devastating consequences. He compared Chimaev’s style to Tito Ortiz, who built a career on securing takedowns and smothering opponents.
“So many guys concede and give up that back position,” Couture added. ” Give those positions up. It’s no different [than] preparing to fight a guy like Tito [Ortiz]. 96% of TIto’s fights are won by securing that takedown and floating over a guy and landing those elbows and smothering him. It’s not rocket science. It’s the same thing. Same style.
“Greco and Folkstyle are the two styles that translate directly to MMA. Greco because of the up-right posture, the clinch fighting, the solid barrier, and now I can touch legs. And trip and things that are forbidden in Greco [that] become allowed in the cage. And then the control positions in collegiate wrestling. Putting those legs in. Leg riding. Riding over somebody. Floating over somebody. All those things translate directly to MMA scenarios and situations.”
To counter Chimaev’s game, Couture advised adopting wrestling techniques that transition well into MMA. He highlighted Greco-Roman wrestling for its upright posture and clinch fighting, and Folkstyle wrestling for its focus on control positions like leg riding and floating over opponents.
These techniques, combined with intense preparation, could give fighters a chance to handle Chimaev’s unique approach. Although the challenge is monumental, Couture’s insights provide a clear starting point for those looking to take on one of the toughest grapplers in the sport.
