If there was any doubt if Khamzat Chimaev would bounce back at UFC 267 in a big way, those doubts have been quieted.
Saturday afternoon in Abu Dhabi was the 29-year-old Chimaev’s first fight in 13 months. After recovering from a difficult bout with COVID-19 that nearly put his career in jeopardy. The virus has still proven to be his greatest opponent as he was able to submit Li Jingliang in just one round at Etihad Arena.
Khamzat Chimaev put Li Jingliang to sleep at UFC 267
Right from the jump, the massive welterweight, who has previously competed at middleweight, went to his patented grappling game and the Chinese talent was unable to escape from it for the rest of the fight. First in grappling on the cage, and then on the mat, where “Borz” was able to get to the “Leach’s” back with a couple of minutes left in the round.
Jingliang did his best to defend against Chimaev’s submission advances. And did so admirably for a while as he fought off two attempted rear-naked chokes by his opponent with his left arm. However, Chimaev switched arms and was able to sink in the same hold with his right arm, and put the best male fighter in UFC history from China to sleep.
It was an outstanding performance for the Chechen as he proved that catching the pandemic-causing virus will no longer affect his rapid ascent in the sport.
Chimaev moves to 10-0 overall and has won four straight inside the Octagon. The defeat is Jingliang’s second loss in his last four. The setback is a momentum stopper after a stunning knockout win over Santiago Ponzinibbio in January.
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