Daniel Cormier was impressed by Khamzat Chimaev’s performance on Saturday night at UFC 308, where Chimaev scored a decisive first-round victory over Robert Whittaker in their co-main event bout.
The former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion believes that Chimaev has now done enough to leapfrog Sean Strickland for the next title shot. Strickland had been expecting a title fight rematch against champion Dricus Du Plessis.
Sealed Deal
However, according to Cormier, Chimaev’s dominant win over Whittaker, which included breaking Whittaker’s jaw, has solidified his position as the top contender.
“He went and beat him in the first round. And if you’re Sean Strickland, that result worries you,” Cormier said. “Why? Because Mick Maynard, sitting next to me, jumps up and runs to Dana, and they start talking with Hunter [Campbell]. Dana immediately follows Chimaev to talk to him. That’s a concerning sign for a guy considered the No. 1 contender, because it tells you things are happening. Khamzat Chimaev, to me, solidified himself as the No. 1 contender at 185 pounds. His wrestling, his top control, his mentality, his approach—it’s unlike many things we have seen.”
