UFC 273 Picks and Predictions: Hot Prospect of the Week Khamzat Chimaev (Archive)
Join us as we preview a hot UFC prospect from this week’s UFC 273: Volkanovski vs. The Korean Zombie pay-per-view event.
Read on for our complete UFC 273 betting guide – taking a first look at our hottest prospect of the week, Khamzat Chimaev, and his opponent Gilbert Burns, including updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC picks.
Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev
UFC Welterweight Bout
Saturday, April 09, 2022 – 07:00 PM EDT at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Hot Prospect: Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev (10-0-0)
The year of 2020 in the MMA world could become one of the most unforgettable in combat sports history if the Chechnya native continues to dominate the UFC roster as he has done thus far.
Khamzat Chimaev, a Russian-born martial artist fighting out of Sweden, burst onto the scene and wasted no time making his name known. Behind a vicious and domineering MMA skill set, we were introduced to a vibrant and likable personality; star potential was evident since day one.
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Since the tender age of 5-years-old, he’s embodied the sport of wrestling, and success on this stage first arrived at the Junior Russian National Championship, where he collected a bronze medal. He then moved to Sweden and resumed his love for wrestling, capturing numerous Swedish freestyle grappling gold medals in three different weight classes.
Following a 24-0 undefeated freestyle record, aged 23, Chimaev turned his sights to MMA and joined the All-Star Training Center alongside the likes of Alexander Gustafsson.
Alternating between 170lbs and 185lbs, he joined the MMA professional leagues in 2018. After running through two highly touted prospects in Sidney Wheeler and Ikram Aliskerov, the UFC paid close attention to the Brave CF star.
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It’s not the undefeated streak, it’s not how fast his rise has taken, it’s the manner in which Khamzat has treated his opponents.
Outside of Ikram Aliskerov (a multiple-time Russian sambo and wrestling champion), nobody has been able to prevent the takedowns. Equally, his striking offense has been sharpened to a level where he’s delivering one-punch knockouts.
Naturally, the UFC came calling when they needed a short-notice replacement for John Phillips. Little did they know, the next global superstar had just joined the promotion.
From winning two fights in 10 days to finishing all four UFC opponents inside 6 minutes, Chimaev is now receiving the No.2 ranked welterweight on the planet in what is the fastest rise to contender status at 170lbs.
Khamzat Chimaev Fight Analysis
It’s no secret that Chimaev’s love for wrestling is what’s assisted most of his 10 professional victories. He’s extremely physical, strong, and has been known to rag-doll heavyweights inside the gym. Once he finds the body lock, the opposition simply cannot handle the force of his level changes or elevating slams – with the acceptance of Aliskerov.
Once the fight has reached the ground, it becomes even more overwhelming for his opponents. Often compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Borz will smother you whilst consistently passing guard and improving position if needed. All whilst throwing strikes from multiple angles. And if you give him the smallest window to grab the neck, it’s over.
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On the feet, his striking is very much overlooked. But even if we study his fights prior to joining the UFC, you’ll notice the elite techniques and tendencies that he’s collected over at the All-Star gym in Sweden. The power he generates from jabs, uppercuts, and hooks has all been displayed, making him much more intimidating than Khabib, in my opinion.
Burns vs. Chimaev Betting Pick and Odds
Gilbert Burns (20-4-0) is a veteran UFC fighter with experience versus the most elite that stems over a 7-year period. The Brazilian native is one of, if not the most decorated grapplers on the entire roster, possessing a BJJ black belt alongside gold medals from the most prestigious grappling tournaments on the planet.
However, Chimaev’s unruly streak has been made to look simple even against fighters larger than himself, and Burns will be the most undersized opponent Borz has faced. This isn’t going to bode well for the Brazilian, who’ll be short-changed in the striking and wrestling exchanges.
The opening line at the best sportsbooks has placed Khamzat as a heavy betting favorite - rightfully so. For anyone still doubting his potential, you’re going to realize we have a future two-division (maybe three) champion on our hands.
UFC Pick: Chimaev Wins inside the Distance (-210) [2.10u returns 1u] at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
UFC 273 Main Card and Odds
- Alexander Volkanovski vs. Chan Sung Jung [UFC featherweight championship bout]
- Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan [UFC bantamweight championship bout]
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns [UFC welterweight bout]
- Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres [UFC strawweight bout]
- Vinc Pichel vs. Mark Madsen [UFC lightweight bout]
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.