Alexander Volkanovski believes Khamzat Chimaev will have a significant advantage over Kamaru Usman in the co-main event of UFC 294.
On Saturday night, Khamzat Chimaev will face Kamaru Usman at middleweight during the co-main event of UFC 294. Originally, the Chechen was scheduled to face division No. 6 Paulo Costa, but the Brazilian is unfit to fighting due to an elbow infection. ‘Borz’ will therefore have to overcome the former UFC welterweight champion. In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski will try to take his revenge on Islam Makhachev after Charles Oliveira withdrew due to an arch injury.
This is how Kamaru Usman spoke about Khamzat Chimaev: “Everyone feels invincible until …”
“I think it will be a stand-up fight. I’ve never seen Usman in scrums, he’s hard to take down, he’s good in those positions and he’s strong. Chimaev is big, I know a lot of people say he fights at welterweight too, but I think he’s more of a middleweight and Usman is a solid welterweight. I think he has to deal with that too… Can Usman take the hits? I think so. Rhythm ? Everything must be 100%. The pace that Chimaev will impose will be difficult to manage for someone who has not been warned in advance. »
At 36, Kamaru Usman is looking for redemption after suffering two consecutive defeats against Leon Edwards, including one by knockout. The Nigerian has one of the most dominant reigns at welterweight, and has the opportunity to capture a middleweight belt in two fights. Indeed, Dana White announced that the winner between ‘Borz’ and ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will obtain the next title shot in the division.
