Khamzat Chimaev has been told to mix his usual approach to the first round when he challenges gold at UFC 319.
To date, there has been little secret about what the opponents of Chimaev can expect when they share the Octagon with the unbeaten Tschenfenomenon.
'Borz' has become known for fast starts and immediate removal attempts, a movement that chims Chimaev's fast Brabo -stitching against Kevin Holland in 2022 and a brutal face crank on Robert Whittaker just last year. Although his enemies know what is coming, Chimaev remains just as difficult to defend against.
Many expect that the middleweight champion will take on the same challenge when Dricus Du Persis meets Chimaev in Saturday's main event. But a fellow star from the UFC 319 pay-per-view in Chicago has a different strategy for Chimaev in mind …
Michael 'Venom' pages of surprise advice for Khamzat Chimaev on UFC 319
The main map in United Center will contain another middleweight collision, with ex-caller striking Michael 'Venom' page and former UFC title Challenger Jared Cannonier who wants to increase their chances of a future confrontation with the winner of the main event.
In addition to viewing his second fight on 185 pounds in the UFC, Page gave his assessment of the third title defense of Du Plessis during a recent interview with flightweight -legend Demetrious Johnson.
'MVP' went against the grain by suggesting that Chimaev should avoid removal and instead should strike with the South African champion in the round one.
“He (Chimaev) can do five rounds, and he will be five rounds dangerous,” said Page. “But … his best chances will be in the earlier rounds.
“I think weird, if I was, when I'm Khamzat, I'll come up first.
“DDP is touched and a lot is hit,” Page continued. “He is hard to kill, but he is hit a lot.
“(Chimaev) has a crazy power in his hands. … Make (du plessis) confused, because now he is so much:” I have to keep my hands up because I get loads. “And then you start to struggle.”
Dricus Du Plessis has welcomed the fast start of Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev usually does not need an invitation to burst out of the gates, but he recently received one.
Most predict that the path from the champion to victory in the final rounds is UFC 319. Sharing that sentiment is a former UFC Middleweight Champion, in which Michael Bisping expects a Du Plessis -Comback from two frames to beat Chimaev.
But the South African does not intend to survive the opening fairs. He is planning to hunt himself and even challenged his rival to go one “full speed” with him from the minute.
“I'm going outside to fight the road (I fight) and see what happens,” said Du Plessis during the UFC 319 Media Day.
“He did not change his game plan with Robert Whittaker because it was a five-rounder. That kind of all gives me the feeling that he will not think of the five rounds when he should be.
“Five rounds is a long time, and I'm not afraid to get to that dark place,” Du Plessis continued. “We have seen that. If we go at full speed, you know, I can fight tired all day. I have often done that.
“So let's go for it. Let's go from the first call to the last. Let's go at full speed and see who stops.”