Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal has voiced strong disapproval of UFC middleweight titleholder Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach to fighting. Masvidal suggests that Chimaev’s preference for grappling stems from a fear of engaging in striking exchanges.
Chimaev claimed the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 319, defeating Dricus du Plessis. In that bout, “Borz” showcased a dominant wrestling performance, controlling the South African for over 21 minutes, securing 12 takedowns, and landing a total of 529 strikes, with 37 being significant.
Despite the statistical dominance, the fight’s heavy reliance on wrestling left many fans unimpressed, with some labeling it a “snoozefest.” Jorge Masvidal clearly shared this sentiment.
Jorge Masvidal Takes Digs at Khamzat Chimaev
During a recent episode of his podcast, Masvidal harshly criticized Chimaev’s strategy. He argued that while Chimaev might be a superior wrestler, his style doesn’t align with what Masvidal considers “fighting.” “Gamebred” suggested that Chimaev frequently opts to hold opponents down out of apprehension, avoiding positional advancement or seeking a finish, instead content to stall rounds. Masvidal stated:
“You just sit there and sniff crotches. You have a chance to strike, but you’re just holding the guy down because you’re scared they’re going to get away. Yeah, you’re a better wrestler, but that’s not fighting.”
Chimaev is set to make his first middleweight title defense at UFC 328 against Sean Strickland, a former training partner who has become a significant rival.
Masvidal further predicted that Strickland would present a different challenge than Dricus du Plessis. He believes “Tarzan” will be far more difficult to control and keep on the mat, asserting that the American will exhaust Chimaev and test him comprehensively.
“Strickland might be the first guy that challenges Chimaev in that realm. Even if Chimaev gets a takedown, he’s going to have to work even harder to hold Strickland down.”
Separately, Joe Pyfer, appearing on Death Row MMA, expressed his desire for Sean Strickland to win and criticized Chimaev’s perceived inactivity.