In a highly anticipated co-main event at UFC 294, Khamzat Chimaev delivered a dominant performance against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. The Chechen-born fighter overwhelmed Usman with his signature pressure, securing a unanimous decision victory (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) after three gruelling rounds.
Chimaev's Relentless Pressure Proves Too Much
From the opening bell, Chimaev imposed his will on Usman, blending powerful striking with his elite grappling skills. The first round saw Chimaev land several hard shots before taking Usman down and controlling him on the mat for significant periods.
Usman, known for his own wrestling pedigree, struggled to match Chimaev's intensity. The second round followed a similar pattern, with Chimaev securing another takedown and maintaining top position for much of the frame.
Usman's Late Rally Falls Short
The former champion showed his championship mettle in the third round, landing some solid strikes and briefly threatening with a guillotine choke. However, Chimaev's early dominance proved insurmountable on the judges' scorecards.
With this victory, Chimaev moves to 13-0 in his professional career and likely secures a middleweight title shot against newly crowned champion Sean Strickland.
What's Next for Both Fighters?
This bout, contested at 185 pounds, marked Usman's middleweight debut after his long reign as welterweight champion. The loss drops his record to 20-4, though his performance against a larger opponent demonstrated his continued elite status.
For Chimaev, this win cements his position as one of the most dangerous contenders in the UFC. His ability to dominate a fighter of Usman's caliber suggests he may be ready for championship gold.
The event took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, continuing the UFC's strong relationship with the Middle Eastern market.
