Khamzat Chimaev was an overwhelming favorite to defeat Sean Strickland in his first defense at UFC middleweight champion, but after a dominant opening round, the Chechen mauler starting running out of gas.
While he definitely had his moments in every round, Chimaev almost completely abandoned his wrestling and ultimately lost a razor-close split decision. Ever since then, Chimaev has been chasing a rematch with Strickland and UFC legend Jon Jones knows the now former champion has every possible weapon to reclaim his title and avenge the first loss of his career.
“Big fan of Khamzat.” Jones told Red Corner MMA. “It was hard to see him lose. It really was. I was really surprised by that fight.
“If I was Khamzat, I would work on my weaknesses. That’s something I personally do before every fight. I watch a fight I will say ‘how can this person beat me? Where is he strong? Where am I perceived to be weak?’. I would say to switching up your endurance routine, maybe something different, and spend more time on your back. That way in the future, you’re just so comfortable being there, maybe throw up some submissions and things like that.”
Endurance was arguably the biggest issue that Chimaev faced in that fight, which is why he was reportedly considering a move up to light heavyweight as a result. But Chimaev eventually changed his mind and now he’s focused on competing at 185 pounds with hopes that he’ll see Strickland standing across the octagon from him again.
Jones has all the faith that Chimaev can rebound but he knows there are certain hurdles he’ll need to clear to ensure past mistakes don’t plague his future.
“Khamzat is a great kicker, a great boxer, and a great wrestler, especially when he puts you in that body lock,” Jones said. “But we don’t really see him on his back very often. I would go back to the drawing board. I would learn to be comfortable on my back and develop a strong jiu-jitsu game on my back and mainly focus on the mindset.
“I would imagine losing can change a fighter’s mind, their confidence, the way they see themselves. Focus on your mindset. Losses happen. Sometimes the best version of people comes out after a loss.”
As of now, Chimaev’s next fight hasn’t been booked, but he’s continued to call out Strickland as he seeks an immediate rematch before 2026 is over.
