Is Khamzat Overrated?

Khamzat Chimaev came into the UFC like a storm. Three fights in two months, all dominant finishes, and a growing reputation as the next unstoppable force in MMA. Fans loved it, the UFC pushed it, and the hype train was moving at full speed.

The problem is that hype in MMA is a tricky thing. Sometimes it matches reality. Other times it doesn’t. And with Khamzat, it is fair to ask the question: has he really been tested enough to justify the aura around him?

His latest fight against Robert Whittaker ended quickly with a submission win. It looked impressive on paper, but if you watched closely, it was more of a sudden catch than a drawn-out showcase of skill under pressure. Whittaker made a mistake, Khamzat capitalized. That is the fight game. But is that the same as proving you can dominate the elite consistently?

His wrestling and control are as strong as advertised. Few can stop his takedown game once he gets a grip. But what happens when he faces someone who can keep the fight standing? What happens when the opponent can survive the first blitz and force Khamzat into deep waters? We have seen moments where he looked human, especially against Gilbert Burns, who pushed him harder than anyone before.

Now, with Dricus Du Plessis holding the middleweight title, the UFC 319 main event will be the true measuring stick. Du Plessis is not a fighter who wilts under pressure. He keeps a high pace, he is durable, and he has been steadily picking apart top contenders. If Khamzat can beat him, that will silence most of the doubts. If not, the questions about whether his career was built more on spectacle than substance will get louder.

Every great fighter eventually meets their proving ground. For Khamzat, that moment is here. By the end of the fight, we will know if the hype was the truth all along or if it was just another story MMA fans have heard before.