Sonnen on Chimaev’s Finish: “That Was Pure Pain”
Chimaev’s Quick and Decisive Finish
At UFC 308, Khamzat Chimaev left fans in awe with a lightning-quick win over former champ Robert Whittaker, considered Chimaev’s most formidable opponent to date. Chimaev concluded the fight in less than two minutes, using a rear-naked choke that fractured Whittaker’s jaw, a devastating finish that silenced hopes of a long, thrilling battle. His victory added weight to his growing reputation as a top contender, as he forced a rare, injury-induced stoppage that few expected.
Sonnen’s Critique of Chimaev’s Technique
MMA veteran Chael Sonnen offered a detailed breakdown of Chimaev’s approach, which drew scrutiny due to perceived conditioning issues after his fight with Kamaru Usman. Sonnen rebuked these criticisms, citing Usman’s tendency to wear down his opponents. His focus shifted to Chimaev’s initial takedown, which Sonnen called unconventional. According to him, Chimaev’s move defied standard wrestling mechanics, as he engaged from a distance that would typically fail:
“When you go for a sloppy takedown from too far,” he explained, “you’re often too low on the legs, and it doesn’t work.” Sonnen marveled that Chimaev defied physics by executing this technique successfully.
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A Finish Like No Other
Sonnen, an experienced wrestler, noted that Chimaev’s takedown technique went against typical grappling principles, which rely on gripping materials like pants or shoes for effective control. Sonnen was fascinated by Chimaev’s ability to hold his opponent without such aids, saying,
“He broke that rule twice. Normally, he should have lost grip, but he didn’t. Maybe he has a unique grip technique?”
Sonnen further described Chimaev’s victory as something beyond a traditional submission, emphasizing,
“What do we call that? It wasn’t a rear-naked choke tapout. That was pain.”
His words highlighted Chimaev’s unique style and left fans and analysts debating whether his grip could signal a new tactical evolution in MMA.
Chimaev’s Path to Title Contention
After UFC 308, Chimaev’s victory has intensified conversations about a title shot. Fans and fighters are buzzing over the prospect of Chimaev contending for the middleweight title, a path that now seems inevitable. With fighters like Sean Strickland voicing their opinions on Chimaev’s status, it’s clear his quick win has raised his stock dramatically. Sonnen’s admiration and analysis underscore that Chimaev is not only unconventional but a significant force in the middleweight division, further cementing his future as a legitimate title contender.
Sources: MMAnytt.se
