Chimaev vows to keep wrestling despite Nurmagomedov's takedown KO warning

Khamzat Chimaev has dismissed any suggestion that Umar Nurmagomedov’s knockout loss to Yadong Song should prompt him to rethink his wrestling-first approach, saying the unpredictable nature of MMA is no reason to abandon what he does best.

Nurmagomedov, a heavy favourite heading into the fight, was caught by a flush uppercut from Song precisely as he shot for a takedown — a sequence that left the Dagestani fighter unconscious and dropped his record to 20-2. Given that Chimaev relies on a near-identical wrestling-heavy game plan, the former UFC titleholder was quickly asked whether the loss had given him pause.

His answer was unequivocal. “I will keep doing my job,” Chimaev told Red Corner MMA. “I drill takedowns every day in the gym, so why shouldn’t I do the same in the Octagon? Everything can happen in our sport.”

Chimaev acknowledged the result was unfortunate but expressed confidence that Nurmagomedov, who has been competing since childhood, has the experience to recover. “Unfortunately, Umar lost, but I believe he will be back stronger,” he said. “He is a guy with vast experience who’s been doing his thing since he was a kid.”

As for his own vulnerability, Chimaev was equally direct. “Being knocked down or KO’d, I can’t foresee it,” he said, arguing that a single well-timed punch can finish anyone in MMA regardless of style, and that changing his approach out of fear would be counterproductive.

The comments underline Chimaev’s long-held belief that his wrestling base is a strength to be built upon rather than a liability to be managed. Having held UFC gold, he shows no sign of the tactical second-guessing that might follow a high-profile reminder of the risks that come with committing to a takedown.