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Don't Sleep, Watch Nigerian Nightmare Kamaru Usman try to get a contender status for Adesanya's former title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
UFC 294 will make its annual appearance at the Etihad Arena and the co-main event features martial arts prodigy Khamzat Chimaev against former UFC Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman In a 185-pound weight class match-up.
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20:15 - 19.10.2023
Kamaru Usman is too old - Khamzat Chimaev roars ahead of UFC 294
No respect!! After saying Usman is like I phone 5, Chimaev doubles down on Nigerian Nightmare.
The UFC 294 card suffered severe blows after Brazilian striker Paulo Costa withdrew from the co-main event, capping off an intense pre-fight week.
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17:20 - 18.10.2023
Kamaru Usman is like iPhone 5: Khamzat Chimaev brands Nigerian Nightmare ahead of UFC 294
iPhone comparison: Khamzat Chimaev brands Nigerian Nightmare iPhone 5 ahead of UFC 294.
However, considering Usman's quality and standards as a substitute, there are no complaints about how the fight card has turned out.
Since winning the title from Tyron Woodley in March 2019, Kamaru Usman has made five championship defenses throughout his impressive tenure as the 170-pound king.
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Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev preview
Eliminating opponents Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns in a dominant manner, the Nigerian Nightmare was tearing up the division.
Leon Edwards put an abrupt stop to his era with a brutalizing head-kick knockout.
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In their trilogy match at UFC 286 in March, Usman was defeated by a unanimous decision, therefore his attempts to reclaim his lost title were in vain.
Chimaev, on the other hand, has not done anything for a while and now moved from 170 to 185.
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Despite Usman's age, the pair's clash will probably mark the beginning of a new era at Middleweight given Sean Strickland's victory over Israel Adesanya last month.
Both men will undoubtedly reflect after a loss; Chimaev will have to confront claims that his skill set is no longer relevant, and Usman will have to refute theories that he is much beyond his prime.
Being assured of the next opportunity to defend Strickland's recently won Middleweight belt, a victory will catapult any opponent to the top of the division.
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Can Khamzat Chimaev beat Kamaru Usman?
Chimaev's strategy against Costa was believed to be charge at the opponent take him down, beat him up a little, then finish with a submission.
But with his cardio and adaptability, Usman is one of the hardest fighters on the team to take down and as the fight wears on, he will only become more problematic.
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Usman will not forfeit his weight advantage and will still be more powerful than usual despite weighing 185 pounds.
Chimaev's explosiveness gives him the upper hand; if he can time his takedowns and make Usman think about how he's going to attack, he can turn the tables on him.
But only in the first two rounds, while he still has energy, will those opportunities present themselves.
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Chimaev said Usman is an iPhone 5 and his is pro hence a lot on his shoulders going into the fight.
All Usman has to do is get through the early going to start using his jab to take control of the grappling exchanges and break him down.
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Although it would be wise for Chimaev to make a more cautious opening given Usman's skill set, it is difficult to picture Chimaev taking it slow, especially since there are only three rounds.
Can Kamaru Usman beat Khamzat Chimaev?
Kamaru Usman steps up to middleweight to take on the division's bogeyman and saves the co-main event.
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Leon Edwards destroyed him after he had won 15 straight UFC fights, including five welterweight title defenses that solidified his pound-for-pound dominance.
Usman has risen to the occasion in Abu Dhabi, refusing to hide from the spotlight or nurse his wounds.
Without a question, Kamaru Usman will have multiple ways to win against Chimaev.
But, despite Khamzat Chimaev's impressive record since his UFC debut and his preparation for the fight, it will be difficult for Usman.
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Usman's jab may determine who moves forward and dictates tempo.
It will be very beneficial if he uses that stiff poke to break up Chimaev's combinations or kicks, as it will enable him to press and control the exchange.
Getting Chimaev uncomfortable and establishing the jab will hurt and probably result in worse shots.
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Chimaev has already branded Usman as too old and will be under pressure to finish the Nigerian Nightmare.
Usman however has the ability to take out Chimaev and earn a title shot.
Time and where to watch Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev UFC 294 Co-Main event
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Usman takes on Chimeav in the co-main event of UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The fight will take place early Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 7.00 PM Nigerian time.
It will be available on TNT Sports broadcast on DSTV by Supersports in Nigeria
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