Anthony Smith believes Khamzat Chimaev can "beat anybody, across any weight class" in the opening round of a fight

Anthony Smith has suggested that Khamzat Chimaev can defeat any fighter, irrespective of weight class, in the first round of a fight. The Chechnya-born fighter has dominated most opponents in his career, competing at welterweight, middleweight, and a few catchweight bouts.

Chimaev's fights against UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns and former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman were closely contested clashes. 'Borz' secured razor-thin wins over them, beating Burns via unanimous decision at welterweight in April 2022 and besting Usman by majority decision at middleweight in Oct. 2023.

On Michael Bisping's Believe You Me podcast, Bisping and Anthony Smith recently discussed various topics, including Khamzat Chimaev. 'Lionheart' notably indicated that Chimaev is capable of beating any fighter in any weight class in round one, but his cardio steeply drops in the ensuing rounds. Smith stated:

"I'm a real big believer in Khamzat; I really am. I think the guy is incredible. But, if we're just being critical, first round, I think Khamzat can beat anybody, across any weight class. I don't give a sh** who it is. Anybody in the world, he can beat in the first round. You start getting in the second, third, fourth, fifth... I mean, the Gilbert Burns fight is kind of a perfect example. If that fight goes another two rounds..."

Bisping opined that the Kamaru Usman fight was a better example, and Smith concurred by labeling 'Borz' a monster in that match's first round. 'The Count' added that Usman's a stellar wrestler but got rag-dolled by Chimaev in that round.

Besides, Bisping explained that Usman used his toughness, durability, and experience to survive round one, close the points gap in round two, and win in round three. Smith and 'The Count' further agreed that though Usman took that fight on very short notice, it was 'Borz' who was ultimately exhausted.

Watch Smith's assessment below:

---

Anthony Smith addresses Khamzat Chimaev's upcoming fight against Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia

The No.10-ranked UFC middleweight Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to fight the No.3-ranked Robert Whittaker in the headlining match of the landmark UFC Saudi Arabia event on June 22, 2024. In the aforementioned Believe You Me podcast episode, Smith and Bisping referenced the match, implying that Whittaker likely possesses a cardio edge over 'Borz'.

Smith believes Whittaker won't get tired. The light heavyweight contender feels that if Chimaev can inflict major damage early in the first or second rounds, he could compromise the former UFC middleweight champion and cruise to a victory. However, 'Lionheart' appeared to suggest that if 'Borz' paces himself for the five-round showdown, he won't be the same menacing force.

Picking Whittaker to beat Chimaev, Smith said:

"If he paces himself early, now he's not the Khamzat we're used to. He's not as effective. So, I don't know... I hate to say it. I'm leaning... I lean Whittaker."

Catch Smith's comments about the Whittaker-Chimaev matchup below (59:10):