5 reasons why Kamaru Usman will end Khamzat Chimaev's dream run in the UFC

#2. Kamaru Usman's excellent takedown defense

The Nigerian hasn't been taken down to date in the UFC.

Khamzat Chimaev is a gifted wrestler and a three-time Swedish National champion. Since his UFC debut, 'Borz' has shown great potential as a submission artist. In fact, two of his five wins in the promotion have come via submission, and his TKO victory against Rhys McKee was primarily due to his ability to take his opponent down and keep him there.

Kamaru Usman, however, is not an easy target to take down. Although he prefers to stay upright while fighting, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' is just as good on the ground.

The 35-year-old is an NCAA Division Two champion. Despite facing the likes of Gilbert Burns and Colby Covington in his career, the Nigerian has never been submitted inside the octagon. Additionally, he boasts a 100% takedown defense, which he uses to significant effect to fight from a standing position. Although Colby Covington arguably took him down in their rematch, Usman's takedown defense still reads 100% in the official UFC record book.

Thus, taking Usman down won't be as easy for Chimaev. He might have to fight from a standing position and try to look for a knockout. With striking arguably not being his best attribute, 'Borz' could have a serious problem at hand if the fight materializes.

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#1. Kamaru Usman's improvement as a striker

Usman is one of the best strikers in the promotion at the moment.

Kamaru Usman's striking has improved in leaps and bounds since his debut inside the octagon. Although he is primarily a wrestler, the Nigerian wasn't extremely adept at striking. However, he has become immensely better since switching camps to train under Trevor Wittman.

Going by his career stats, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' has only four knockout wins. The majority of his wins have come via judges' decision.

Understandably, a fighter's striking prowess is often judged based on the number of knockouts to their name. However, in Kamaru Usman's case, the numbers don't give out the entire picture.

In almost all of his victories, no matter how they have come, the 35-year-old has outstruck his opponents from the standup position. For instance, he outlanded Tyron Woodley 141-34 in significant strikes landed on target during their title fight. While much of that may have come from his ground control, Usman has added many more levels to his striking now.

Khamzat Chimaev, while an able fighter, was significantly outstruck by Gilbert Burns. Given where he stands right now, a win against Usman seems less likely for 'Borz'.