UFC 279: Khamzat Chimaev Crushes Kevin Holland within 133 seconds
After a challenging week, Chimaev (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) maintained his undefeated record by defeating Holland (23-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) via first-round submission in their 180-pound catchweight contest at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Khamzat Chimaev ripped through Kevin Holland, rushed in and attempted a takedown right away as soon as the match started. He immediately had Holland on the defensive. Holland managed to get back to his feet a few times, but Chimaev’s pressure was incredible. “Borz” was soon attacking the D’Arce choke and had Holland on the defensive. Khamzat had the quick finish that he desired after a few adjustments.
Chimaev made Holland submit in less than three minutes, with a choke that forced a stoppage at the 2:13 mark. It was an outstanding performance by any standard. After rearranging the top of the UFC 279, and he didn’t care what the T-Mobile Arena crowd considered of him. However, the events leading up to it left a bad taste in the mouths of the audience, who booed Chimaev from start to finish as the Chechen star conveyed no remorse for his actions.
Who can stop @KChimaev???????? #UFC279 pic.twitter.com/GgWVoRgRT5
— UFC (@ufc) September 11, 2022
Adesanya, the existing UFC middleweight champion, was not delighted with Chimaev’s behaviour during fight week, especially given that Chimaev’s 7.5-pound weight loss forced the top half of the main card to be reorganised completely.
“Sh** was crazy. Khamzat… Shout out to Kevin… Good sh**,” Adesanya stated. “He held a good account of himself; scrambling, sticking to the position,” he added. “But Khamzat was just a step ahead, two steps ahead even. But he missed weight, so he a b***h for that.”
DOMINATION FROM THE SECONDS INTO THE FIGHT 😱 #UFC279 pic.twitter.com/LAnAhymZGq
— UFC (@ufc) September 11, 2022
It’s unclear whether this victory will help Chimaev overcome some of the negative attention he’s received this week. This was Chimaev’s 12th consecutive win in his undefeated professional career, which was decided in less than 24 hours. Chimaev showed humility by ending his feud with Holland after outclassing Holland in the Octagon and winning. Both fighters showed respect for one another by exchanging hugs and a few words.
Chimaev now plans to challenge reigning lightweight champion Charles Oliviera for the title. He once again demonstrated his prowess by not taking any shots during the fight. However, he must ensure that weight-cutting issues do not keep him from fighting in the future.
