Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting and dominant fighters in the UFC. With an undefeated professional record and a ferocious fighting style, Chimaev has quickly gained attention from both fans and bettors alike. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or new to UFC wagering, understanding Chimaev’s strengths, fighting style, and recent performances can give you a serious edge when placing bets.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about betting on Khamzat Chimaev, including his fighting metrics, strengths and weaknesses, recent fight history, and how to approach betting on his upcoming matchups.
Fighter Overview
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Full Name: Khamzat Chimaev
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Nickname: Borz (meaning “wolf” in Chechen)
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Nationality: Swedish (of Chechen descent)
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Division: Welterweight (170 lbs) and Middleweight (185 lbs)
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Height / Reach: 6’2” / 75 inches
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Fighting Style: Aggressive wrestler with striking prowess
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Professional Record: 14-0-0 (undefeated)
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Team: Allstars Training Center (Stockholm, Sweden)
Chimaev is known for his relentless pressure, dominant wrestling, and improving striking ability. His fights often end quickly, making him an exciting but sometimes challenging pick for certain types of bets.
Key Performance Metrics for Bettors
When analyzing Chimaev for betting purposes, here are some of the most important stats and factors to consider:
Striking Power and Volume
Chimaev maintains an aggressive striking style, landing a high volume of significant strikes per minute. His punches are powerful, often setting up takedowns or finishes. Although he is still refining his striking defense, his offense puts significant pressure on opponents early.
Wrestling Dominance
One of Chimaev’s biggest advantages is his elite-level wrestling. He consistently secures takedowns and controls opponents on the ground, frequently leading to ground-and-pound or submission opportunities. His wrestling makes him a favorite in fights that go to the mat.
Finishing Ability
With a majority of wins coming by knockout or submission, Chimaev is a strong finisher. His ability to end fights early means betting on him to win “inside the distance” is often a smart play.
Cardio and Endurance
Chimaev has shown excellent stamina despite his aggressive pace. He rarely shows signs of fatigue, allowing him to maintain pressure throughout all rounds.
Strengths and Weaknesses (Betting Perspective)
Strengths
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Undefeated record: Momentum and confidence are high.
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Elite wrestling: Hard to neutralize on the ground.
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Finishing prowess: High chance of early finishes.
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Aggressive pace: Often dictates the fight’s tempo.
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Versatility: Effective both standing and on the mat.
Weaknesses
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Experience gap: Has faced fewer elite fighters compared to some champions.
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Striking defense: Can be vulnerable to counters.
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Fighting multiple weight classes: Moving up and down in weight can affect performance unpredictably.
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Pressure to maintain undefeated status: High expectations might impact mental game.
Recent Fight History & Betting Outcomes
Khamzat Chimaev has made a splash in the UFC with several quick finishes and dominant performances, making him a favorite pick for bettors who like fast results.
UFC 294 – vs. Gilbert Burns (Oct 2023)
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Result: Won via unanimous decision
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Pre-fight odds: -130 favorite
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Betting takeaway: Showed improved cardio and fight IQ, going the distance but maintaining control throughout. Bettors who picked him on the moneyline won, but inside-the-distance bettors missed out.
UFC 280 – vs. Nate Diaz (Oct 2022)
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Result: Won by second-round submission
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Pre-fight odds: -350 favorite
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Betting takeaway: Dominated with wrestling and ground control. A solid bet for those taking him to finish the fight early.
UFC 273 – vs. Li Jingliang (Apr 2022)
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Result: Won by first-round knockout
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Pre-fight odds: -400 favorite
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Betting takeaway: Fast knockout paid off for bettors backing him with a KO prop.
Upcoming Matchup Preview: UFC 319 vs. Dricus Du Plessis
Tale of the Tape:
Fighter | Khamzat Chimaev | Dricus Du Plessis |
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Record | 14-0-0 | 23-2-0 |
Fighting Style | Aggressive wrestling | Well-rounded finisher |
Reach | 75 inches | 76 inches |
Stance | Orthodox | Switch |
Current Odds | -190 Favorite | +164 Underdog |
Chimaev enters this fight as the betting favorite due to his undefeated record and dominant wrestling style. However, Du Plessis’ versatility and finishing ability make this an intriguing matchup with several viable betting angles.
Betting Strategy for Khamzat Chimaev
Recommended Bet Types
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Moneyline Bets: Strong favorite with a high likelihood of winning.
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Inside the Distance: Given his finishing rate, especially in early rounds, this is a solid option.
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Round Betting: Early round finishes are common for Chimaev, making under-round bets attractive.
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Prop Bets: Submission or knockout finish props often have good value.
Cautionary Notes
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Avoid heavy parlays with Chimaev if you’re risk-averse.
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Watch for line movement; early betting can sometimes offer better odds before favorites get heavily backed.
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Be mindful of stylistic matchups; fighters with strong striking defense or submission defense can challenge him.
Final Verdict: Betting on Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev is an excellent fighter to consider for UFC betting, especially for those who like aggressive, high-action fights with a strong chance of early finishes. His undefeated record and dominant wrestling make him a solid favorite in most matchups, but bettors should always analyze opponent style and recent form before placing bets.
When matched against versatile finishers like Du Plessis, expect interesting betting opportunities both pre-fight and live. Always shop around sportsbooks for the best odds and consider prop bets to maximize potential payouts.
FAQs About Betting on Khamzat Chimaev
Q1: Is Chimaev a good live betting option?
Yes, his aggressive style often creates fluctuating odds, offering good opportunities for live bets.
Q2: How often does Chimaev finish fights early?
Most of his wins come by knockout or submission within the first two rounds.
Q3: Does Chimaev perform well against strikers?
His wrestling usually neutralizes striking threats, but strong counters can sometimes cause problems.
Q4: What’s the best bet type for Chimaev?
Moneyline and inside-the-distance bets are the most reliable.