Despite accepting the fight on short notice, Kamaru Usman put up an impressive fight against Khamzat Chimaev, leading many to believe that with more preparation time, Usman would have won the fight.
In a thrilling UFC 294 showdown, Kamaru Usman put up a valiant fight against Khamzat Chimaev, even though he didn’t come out with the victory. Usman, a former welterweight champion, took the fight on extremely short notice after Paulo Costa had to withdraw due to a staph infection. Despite this disadvantage, Usman nearly pulled off an upset against the highly regarded Chimaev, who many believe will win UFC gold in the near future.
Matt Brown, a UFC welterweight, praised Usman for his performance and suggested that the outcome might have been different if Usman had more time to prepare for Chimaev. Usman faced a tough round in the opening minutes, as Chimaev dominated him on the ground, resulting in a 10-8 score in favor of Chimaev. Usman needed to either equalize the score or secure a finish to win the fight, but ultimately, two judges gave the nod to Chimaev.
Brown acknowledged that the short-notice nature of the fight played a role in Usman’s loss, citing the tough first round as a major factor. However, Brown believes that Usman’s professionalism and endurance were commendable, as he appeared ready to fight more rounds after the match. Brown argued that Usman’s performance elevated his status despite the loss.
Chimaev’s victory against Usman, a legend in the welterweight division, was a significant accomplishment that solidified his reputation as a formidable fighter. He had previously built a fearsome reputation by defeating several opponents with ease upon joining the UFC. However, his recent fights against Gilbert Burns and Usman demonstrated that even top-tier fighters can provide a challenge.
While some may dismiss Chimaev’s win due to Usman’s short preparation time, Brown disagrees, emphasizing Chimaev’s potential as a fighter. He sees a favorable matchup between Chimaev and middleweight champion Sean Strickland, with Chimaev’s wrestling skills potentially overwhelming Strickland.
In conclusion, Usman’s performance against Chimaev, despite the short notice, earned him praise from Brown and showcased his professionalism. Chimaev’s victory solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with, and he is now set to face Strickland for the middleweight title.