Khamzat Chimaev’s reign of dominance inside the UFC Octagon has left fans and fighters alike questioning whether anyone can stop him. The undefeated Chechen powerhouse recently captured the middleweight crown at UFC 318, where he secured a dominant unanimous decision win over Dricus du Plessis. The victory marked his fifteenth consecutive triumph in professional combat sports, cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.
Despite his flawless record, one former champion who knows Chimaev’s power firsthand has shared the only scenario he sees that could derail the champion’s seemingly unstoppable rise.
Rober Whittaker’s painful experience with Chimaev
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, who previously shared the cage with Chimaev, understands better than most the danger that comes with facing him. Their clash ended in brutal fashion for Whittaker after Chimaev locked in a face crank that caused multiple fractures in his lower jaw and left him nursing a serious injury.
Reflecting on both that experience and Chimaev’s recent performances, Whittaker admitted it is difficult to see a clear weakness in the new champion’s game.
“I don’t know how anyone beats Khamzat (Chimaev) at the moment,” Whittaker revealed on the MMArcade podcast. “His wrestling is so high-level. I feel like the way to beat Khamzat is with high-level Jiu-Jitsu.”
The path to dethroning Khamzat Chimaev
According to Whittaker, it will take a specialist in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to truly test Chimaev’s grappling and find a way past his smothering wrestling style. He suggested that rising contender Nassourdine Imavov, who recently earned an impressive victory over Caio Borralho, could be one of the few fighters capable of presenting such a challenge.
“If (Nassourdine) Imavov has high-level back Jiu-Jitsu, then maybe we’ll see something. It’s a fight; anything can happen—maybe Chimaev dives into a knee or foot,” Whittaker explained.
Imavov’s momentum, paired with his technical skill set, has already sparked speculation about a future clash with the undefeated middleweight king. While many have tried and failed against Khamzat Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and pressure, Whittaker believes the right opponent with elite grappling could finally expose a path to victory.
What’s next for Chimaev?
As speculation grows over his next challenger, fans are left to wonder whether Chimaev’s dominance will continue unchecked or if the division holds a fighter capable of toppling him. Imavov has certainly positioned himself as a legitimate threat, but the champion has repeatedly shown that he thrives under pressure and has yet to falter when the stakes are highest.
For now, Khamzat Chimaev remains the man to beat, with Whittaker’s insight offering the only faint glimmer of hope for those aiming to crack the code of one of MMA’s most dominant forces.