Jorge Masvidal Criticizes Khamzat Chimaev: “That’s Not Fighting”

Jorge Masvidal expresses strong disapproval of UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev's grappling-focused fighting approach. The former BMF titleholder suggests that Chimaev's preference for holding opponents down stems from a reluctance to engage in striking exchanges.

Chimaev secured the UFC middleweight championship last year at UFC 319, dominating Dricus du Plessis. In a five-round bout, "Borz" showcased his wrestling prowess, controlling the South African for over 21 minutes, executing 12 takedowns, and landing a significant number of strikes (529 total, with 37 significant).

Despite this commanding victory, the heavily wrestling-dependent performance left some fans unimpressed, labeling the fight a "snoozefest." Jorge Masvidal was among those critical of the champion's style.

Masvidal Critiques Khamzat Chimaev's Tactics

During a recent discussion, Jorge Masvidal openly criticized Khamzat Chimaev's fighting method. He acknowledged Chimaev's superior wrestling but argued that merely holding an opponent down doesn't constitute true fighting. Masvidal implied that Chimaev often opts to pin opponents without actively seeking advancements or finishes, instead spending rounds maintaining control to run down the clock. Masvidal's sentiments can be summarized:

"He just sits there and 'sniffs crotches.' While he has opportunities to strike, he chooses to hold the opponent down, seemingly out of fear they might escape. Being a better wrestler is one thing, but that isn't fighting."

Chimaev is set to defend his middleweight title for the first time at UFC 328, where he will face his former training partner and now rival, Sean Strickland.

Masvidal further commented during the same discussion, predicting that Strickland would not suffer the same fate as Dricus du Plessis against Chimaev. He believes "Tarzan" will prove challenging to take down and keep grounded, potentially exhausting Chimaev and testing him comprehensively.

"Strickland could be the first fighter to truly challenge Chimaev in that domain. Even if Chimaev manages a takedown, he'll have to exert much more effort to keep Strickland controlled."

Concurrently, another prominent voice in the MMA community, Joe Pyfer, expressed his desire for Sean Strickland to win, citing his dissatisfaction with Chimaev's perceived inactivity.