Khamzat Chimaev suffocating Robert Whittaker with his wrestling

This clip is from a fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. A common theme from Khamzat's fights is the unrelenting pressure to force his opponents behind the inner black octagon lines. This represents a point at which once they are behind, he will begin to feint and shoot. The shots' primary goal is not the takedown, but instead to connect to the opponent and drive them to the cage. Where he will begin working for takedowns/backtakes. In this sequence, we see Khamzat chaining his wrestling together, from the single to bodylock to rear bodylock. If Whittaker began to build base/height, Khamzat would immediately adress this by creating blocks/barriers infront of Whittakers lower body and pressure on the upper body to off balance and for his weight over the blocks. Completing multiple mat returns.

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I do not own any of the above footage used. Its reproduction is merely for critique and educational purposes. All credit goes to the UFC/WME-IMG and Zuffa.
Copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made of "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship.

[mubarkqardas]

I think Khamzat shot was shot because he saw how much weight Whitaker planted on his back leg. If you look close when Whitaker steps he is in absolutely no position to sprawl or knee. I honestly think Khamzat saw this on the spot.

[jin]

Thank you for this breakdown! Super interesting

[cqrxmju]

retreating back and staying close to the cage is nonsense because khazmat wants this, he should always pivot against khazmat and use lateral angles whitker presented his wish to khazmat on a platter khazmat takedown speed is similar to khabib, very fast control is similar to khabib, he just takes more risks

[rocket]

I’d love to hear what would have been best for Rob to do once Khamzat got in on the take down and to his back. I think one needs to punish with strikes if possible a la Francis in the second Stipe fight early on the takedown and not just let them work their position. That was a game changer for Francis. May not apply here. I was thinking Rob might have rolled or even given up mount to try to create a scramble maybe? That video of him handling Luke like nothing was scary. I wonder who besides Jon can hang with Khamzat on the ground. Bo? Any responses are appreciated.

[Werdxp]

Rob should have never backed up, but it seemed like regardless it was inevtiable

[sukkapain]

what does one do in this situation if you‘re rob?

[tfjzz]

why chamzat always fights smaller guys then him?

[HasbiksRightHand]

Khamzat at middleweight has more power than Khamzat at Welterweight. That's why they fear both the striking and the grappling. MW won't breathe til he retires.

[sandman]

I don't underrated Rob's gameplan. If I were coaching rob, I would tell him to stuff the takedown and if you do get taken down then get back up and keep it on the feet.