UFC 294: Khamzat Chimaev struggles to beat a surprising Kamaru ...

The co-main event in UFC 294 came as a surprise as earlier last week, Khamzat Chimaev's opponent wasn't able to compete. Dana White had a tough task to find the ideal opponent for arguably the most feared fighter in the entire sport. There was Kamaru Usman, who was coming from a complicated moment after losing the Welterweight belt against Leon Edwards. As the fight started, it became clear that Usman would have a much better chance if he stayed standing up and the first round bell saved him after Chimaev got to take him down. IUn the second round, Usman came back in brilliant fashion to prove why 11 days notice doesn't make a difference for a warrior like him.

The second and third round give us a wonderful exchange between both fighters standing up with a striking showcase. Usman was brilliant avoiding take downs as much as he could but in the end. Khamzat Chimaev was the better fighter. Both final rounds were a testament of what a true contest is all about, the two fighters ended the third round exchanging bombs and showing each other respect after the bell. Kamaru Usman felt for a moment he had the victory within reach and he was quite shocked by the decision to give Khamzat the victory. Chimaev keeps his undefeated UFC record as he moves to 13-0 but he got a reminder that winning the belt is not going to be easy.

After showing the utmost respect for Kamaru Usman, Khamzat Chimaev got a chance to speak to the entire world through the microphone in the post fight interview. Commentator Jon Anick noted Chimaev wasn't his usual happy self because the world is going through a complicated time at the moment. Chimaev didn't get political, all he did was remind the world of the importance taking care of children has all around the world. Naturally, the ideal way forward now is to get a shot at the Middleweight title against Sean Strickland. That's the fight everybody wants to see now.