The thrilling clash between former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and rising star Khamzat Chimaev has the mixed martial arts (MMA) world on the edge of their seats. They’ve now been scheduled to fight at UFC 294 on October 21.
The fight has a compelling narrative attached to it, as it presents a potential turning point for both fighters’ careers. Usman, known as “The Nigerian Nightmare”, is looking to bounce back from back-to-back championship losses to current division kingpin, Leon Edwards, after five consecutive title defenses. A victory over Chimaev would undoubtedly put him back in the title contention conversation.
“It’s a fight that Usman wants, that’s no secret,” UFC president Dana White said during the UFC Vegas 73 press conference last weekend. “Usman literally came to the office to lobby for that fight. I told him I love him. Usman is one of the best guys we’ve ever worked with. I love working with the guy. Look at all the things he’s accomplished.”
Chimaev, also known as “Borz,” has been a relentless force since he arrived in the UFC. He has competed at welterweight, middleweight, and even at a catchweight of 180 pounds, with a flawless record across multiple weight classes. A win over a seasoned veteran like Usman would firmly establish Chimaev as a serious contender for the title.
And Usman and Chimaev have been campaigning for the fight for quite some time now.
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Usman vs. Chimaev Betting Odds
In betting terms, Chimaev being at -290 means that you would need to wager $290 to win $100, while Usman at +220 indicates that a $100 bet could return $220. This implies a 65.52% probability of Chimaev winning and a 41.67% probability for Usman.
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How to bet on Usman vs. Chimaev
To place a bet on this electrifying bout, follow these steps:
- Click here to visit the BetUS website.
- Sign up for an account and claim your sign-up bonus worth up to $2,500.
- Navigate to the UFC/MMA section.
- Find the fight listing for Usman vs. Chimaev.
- Choose your preferred fighter and place your bet.
Note that these early lines are exclusive to BetUS and are part of their “special futures” section, showcasing odds for anticipated fights.
Fight Breakdown
Let’s take a look at the statistics of both fighters:
Tale of the Tape
| Tale of the Tape | Khamzat Chimaev | Kamaru Usman |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 12-0-0 | 20-3-0 |
| Height | 6’2″ | 6’0″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs | 170 lbs |
| Reach | 75″ | 76″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Switch |
Chimaev boasts an impressive undefeated record and an edge in height over Usman. However, Usman has a slight advantage in reach.
Striking
| Fighter | Significant Strikes Landed per Minute | Significant Strike Accuracy | Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute | Significant Strike Defence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khamzat Chimaev | 7.30 | 59% | 3.98 | 41% |
| Kamaru Usman | 4.46 | 52% | 2.75 | 54% |
When analyzing the striking statistics, Khamzat Chimaev stands out for landing a remarkable 7.30 significant strikes per minute, considerably higher than Usman’s 4.46. However, Chimaev absorbs more significant strikes per minute (3.98) compared to Usman (2.75), indicating a higher offensive but potentially riskier style of fighting.
On the other hand, Usman boasts a superior significant strike defense of 54%, versus Chimaev’s 41%, which can play a crucial role in minimizing the damage taken from his opponent’s attacks. While Chimaev’s striking accuracy stands at 59%, Usman’s is slightly lower at 52%, yet still impressive.
Grappling
| Fighter | Takedowns Landed per 15 Minutes | Takedown Accuracy | Takedown Defense | Average Submissions Attempted per 15 Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khamzat Chimaev | 3.98 | 57% | 100% | 3.5 |
| Kamaru Usman | 2.96 | 45% | 97% | 0.1 |
In the grappling department, Chimaev appears dominant with an average of 3.98 takedowns per 15 minutes compared to Usman’s 2.96. His takedown accuracy of 57% surpasses Usman’s 45%, and Chimaev has a perfect 100% takedown defense although Usman has clearly defended against a higher number of takedowns with an impressive 97% defense rate.
Chimaev also showcases a more aggressive submission game, attempting an average of 3.5 submissions per 15 minutes. In contrast, Usman, known for his control-oriented grappling, attempts a modest 0.1 submissions on average.
Overall, this potential match-up promises a thrilling contest, bringing together two elite fighters with contrasting styles. All statistics have been sourced from UFC Stats.
Final Thoughts
The fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman brings together two fierce competitors, each with his unique strengths. Chimaev, the welterweight boogieman with impressive striking and grappling stats, versus Usman, the former champion, known for his strategic fighting and robust defense.
If you are inclined to place a wager on this high-stakes bout, remember that the best odds currently available are -290 for Chimaev and +220 for Usman at BetUS.
Finally, we want to hear from you. Who do you think has the edge in this potential bout? Do you agree with the odds, or do you see an upset in the making?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
Special Offer: Sign up to BetUS today and get an exclusive sign-up offer worth up to $2,500