"I always blame myself" - Khamzat Chimaev explains why he doesn't save gas tank for later rounds unlike Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad

By Manjit Sarmah

Modified Oct 24, 2024 10:46 GMT

Khamzat Chimaev opens up on his approach for first 5 round fight at UFC 308. [Image courtesy: Getty Images] — Khamzat Chimaev opens up on his approach for first five-round fight at UFC 308 [Image courtesy: Getty Images]

As the highly anticipated bout between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev approaches at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, 'Borz' shed light on his aggressive fighting style.

Known for his relentless pace, Chimaev spoke with ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto ahead of his first scheduled five-round fight, explaining why he doesn't conserve his energy for later rounds, unlike fighters such as Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad:

"I'm not the guy who just saving my [stamina] you know... I always try to finish my opponent. I don't try to, like a lot of guys does like Leon Edwards, like Belal Muhammad... a lot of you see guys just save themselves to go five rounds, decision. I'm always like, blame myself. I can finish anyone, so that's why I'm going all in."

Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments below (6:21):

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While Whittaker is a seasoned fighter with multiple five-round battles under his belt, this fight will mark Chimaev’s first chance to fight beyond three rounds in the UFC. This raises concerns about how his cardio will fare in the championship rounds.

Israel Adesanya shares his pick for Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Israel Adesanya has shared his prediction for the middleweight showdown between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev. The event will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, featuring a featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway as the main event.

Adesanya, who has faced Whittaker twice and emerged victorious on both occasions, is backing his former rival to defeat Chimaev. In a recent YouTube video, the former UFC middleweight champion expressed his confidence in Whittaker, saying:

"I just think Rob is a guy not to be f**ked with. Look at his last fight; hopefully, people will remember who he is now. I think Rob will do it again, definitely not as early, I don’t think so. I just think he’ll catch him later on. But he has to weather the storm, he has to survive until he can’t... I’m gonna go Rob with this one with the late finish. Round 4... Late finish."

Check out Israel Adesanya's prediction below (8:45):

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Edited by Anurag Mitra