War Wagon DDP is simply too strong to be overpowered by Khamzat

[188912345]

His frame seemed to be about Usman's size. Khamzat isn't a large MW, but DDP is. Still, don't think size alone makes up for Khamzat's pedigree of wrestling. We're not talking about size difference like big vs small HWs, it's more subtle.

Also we know going by stats DDP has defended 1/1 TDD attempt from Tavares and Izzy. 0/1 (Taken down by one attempt) by Till and Whittaker. Went 1/2 (defended 1, taken down another) against Brunson, and was controlled the whole first round almost.

So because of his pressure style most don't even attempt a takedown, but most that have were able to get him down. Also we're not talking high level wrestlers and it's a short list.

Khamzat and DDP have a similar height and reach, DDP seems to have a more muscular upper body and obviously is heavier.

How that will compare to their relative strength is something we will have to wait and see.

Many people have said that Khamzat is deceptively strong for his size, which would make sense watching his fights.
He's also very technical.

It's taboo to talk about Dricus takedown defense and it's also taboo to talk about how he will have to adapt his striking vs a takedown threat.

Also, will his gas tank be as impressive after 5-8 minutes of wrestling/grappling with Khamzat as in previous fights where he's been allowed to pressure with no high risk of getting put on his back?

Many questions will be answered, that's what makes this fight so interesting.

Edit: Another detail is Dricus use of a high guard, which leaves him open to body shots and takedowns, which wasn't much of a factor vs fighters who couldn't keep him down, though Izzy punished him with a lot of body shots.

 

[Tweak896]

Khamzat and DDP have a similar height and reach, DDP seems to have a more muscular upper body and obviously is heavier.

How that will compare to their relative strength is something we will have to wait and see.

Many people have said that Khamzat is deceptively strong for his size, which would make sense watching his fights.
He's also very technical.

It's taboo to talk about Dricus takedown defense and it's also taboo to talk about how he will have to adapt his striking vs a takedown threat.

Also, will his gas tank be as impressive after 5-8 minutes of wrestling/grappling with Khamzat as in previous fights where he's been allowed to pressure with no high risk of getting put on his back?

Many questions will be answered, that's what makes this fight so interesting.

Most of DDP's opponents were guys who could be bullied throwing everything at them. I can't even recall times I've seen a striker bully a decent wrestler since maybe Cro Cop, but even still I would say that's on the level of Khamzat. The guy who brought it to DDP was Brunson, but he was almost 40 and gassed after 1 round. I still think Khamzat's tank is going to be more than Brunson who had a tendency to shut down in fights. Still if you put money on DDP for this fight, that fight has to give you pause.

Still we're going to see another side of DDP how he handles being the nail. I think if Khamzat repeats what he did with Whittaker, he could've done that 5 rounds, it was much more measured. His TD shots probably won't be as explosive in later rounds, but the control work seemed very relaxed and patient, just waiting for his moment. This is probably is my #1 fight of 2025 to look forward to.

 

[CatchtheseHands]

I agree. Khamzat was having a hard time over powering Usman, who although is very strong himself, is still a career WW. I can see Khamzat having a MUCH harder time controlling an even bigger, stronger DDP. I know we can say, "oh but DDP got big brothered by Brunson" yes, yes he did but Brunson is not a small MW and he is not a MW that could make WW like Khamzat.

 

[Paul E Gensinger]

DDP will get wrestle fucked for the first 1 1/2 rds. DDP is a realist and is anticipating it. After that though DDP will stop Khamzat in the 3rd or 4th rd imo. I'm putting $100 on DDP by TKO.

Excellent. Either Zhat in two rounds or DDP wins a decision. Pretty simple.

 

[188912345]

I agree. Khamzat was having a hard time over powering Usman, who although is very strong himself, is still a career WW. I can see Khamzat having a MUCH harder time controlling an even bigger, stronger DDP. I know we can say, "oh but DDP got big brothered by Brunson" yes, yes he did but Brunson is not a small MW and he is not a MW that could make WW like Khamzat.

It's the technique vs strength+size dilemma again, if we compare Usman's wrestling/takedown defense vs Dricus.

Brunson is not a small MW, but a younger Brunson (2016-2018) was stuffed and demolished by both Izzy and Whittaker in round 1.

 

[CatchtheseHands]

It's the technique vs strength+size dilemma again, if we compare Usman's wrestling/takedown defense vs Dricus.

Brunson is not a small MW, but a younger Brunson (2016-2018) was stuffed and demolished by both Izzy and Whittaker in round 1.

Very fair point but even if Khamzat does get DDP down I think he very likely spends A LOT of energy getting him down and keeping him there. Brunson gassed himself out trying to grapple fuck DDP and I don't think Khamzat has the cardio to keep that up for 5 rounds if he can't find the finish early on the ground..

 

[KO Shotz]

Nah man Khamzat is a different animal. DDP hasn't fought anything like Chimaev before. If he can weather the onslaught in the first two rounds from Chimaev then DDP's chances of winning increase.

There's a strong chance of DDP getting bullied early, but that doesn't necessarily mean DDP will lose. If Khamzat doesn't catch DDP with something early, this might be fight of the year.

 

[188912345]

Very fair point but even if Khamzat does get DDP down I think he very likely spends A LOT of energy getting him down and keeping him there. Brunson gassed himself out trying to grapple fuck DDP and I don't think Khamzat has the cardio to keep that up for 5 rounds if he can't find the finish early on the ground..

That's what will be the most interesting to find out, how they will manage their gas tanks in the wrestling/grappling exchanges.

 

[ShaggyDoyle]

5 men trying to take down DDP.

 

[DumpsterBaby]

I don’t think Hazmat’s greatest advantage is his strength… He’s incredibly fast and so good at positioning for a round that his opponents can’t react fast enough. Saying that he’s just strong is discrediting him, methinks.

It’s not an easy fight for Dricus. At least not for a round.

 

[TRYHARD 2001]

I have zero doubt that Khamzat will take DDP down and dominate in the first round. I don't think there's a fighter below 185 that can stop that. In that sense, I expect DDP will be overpowered by Khamzat... for a time.

Now, if DDP can survive the first couple of rounds (and I think he can), that is where this fight will get interesting for me. DDP has gone 5 hard rounds in the past and he retains his power to the final bell. Khamzat has never been to the championship rounds and he's faded pretty hard in the 3-rounders that have gone to a decision. I've been betting against DDP since I first saw him in the Octagon; I thought he was just a sloppy brawler with minimal skill and max power that would be exposed by pretty much every single guy he's wound up beating in the UFC. He has proved me 100% wrong. However, I'm not going to break with tradition now:

Khamzat via 2nd round TKO (early stoppage!)

You heard it here first, kids!

 

[GordoBarraBJJ]

Khamzat is doing some crazy s & c with that old man who was tj's coach.

 

[TankAbbott4Eva]

There's so many unknowns about this fight, I feel like no outcome would surprise me really which makes it watchable as fuck. I'm sure bricks will be shat if DDP shakes off that first TD attempt easily, it may happen, who knows?

 

[AmonTobin]

It doesn’t have to be about overpowering. It can be about outmaneuvering.

 

[Craig Hogg]

Loads of people have said he used to ragdoll Gustafson in training, he seems to have freak strength.

 

[Tokoloko]

Let's not forget that Khamzat is actually a natural WW, and DDP is a huge MW. Khamzat just wasn't prepared to make the weight cut in the end.

DDP will simply be able to overpower Khamzat. He likely won't even have to sprawl or really actively defend much to stop him... He'll probably just dig for an under hook and throw him away. It'll be like when Cro cop fought wrestlers, or Tibau Vs Khabib, where the stronger guy was simply able to out power the grappler.

DDP is so strong he doesn't even need traditional wrestling training - he can take you down just by putting you into a headlock and falling to the ground.

The strength disadvantage will also cause Khamzat to gas quicker than usual.

Khamzat is definitely not natural ww...aand he is definitely going to have more power than DDP since he will be roided up to the moon.

The real question is, will he be able to finish ddp in 2 rounds or will he gas out???

 

[balkanbomber85]

What I find interessting is the narrative about the great gas tank of DDP.

Dont get me wrong, I really like this guy, but when you watch the fights he went 5 rounds, its not like he is a powerhouse as Merab. He is visibly tired but he manages to conserve his energy to this degree that he can be active until the end, but its not like he is going apeshit crazy in the 5th and that he seems like he is in the first.

I think if Kamzat manages to wrestlephuck him for 2 rounds, also DDP will be breathing heavy by the 5th.

 

[Cemalex88]

Both guys are very strong and big. I dont think one of them have clear strength adventage. They have different body types but they are strong

People usually mention DDP cardiı adventage but I domt agree with that. Yes he fought in 5 rounds fights but his opppnents were strikers and he just looked busier.

Khamzat will take him down, I am sure of it. He is not only strong but also fast, technique and violent

DDP can survive from his assult but that will tire him too. DDP have not been in long fight by being in the ground. Stayin busier on his feet is different than this kind of survival effort

Evet if Khamzat could not finish him, he could TD him any rounds and try to get the decision. ( if he plays smart)

Khamzat is clear favourite for me

 

[CoconutHead]

If Usman had a proper camp I believe he would have won clearly against Chimaev. He may be a boogeyman, but only for a round or two.

Laughing boy either didn't watch the fight or is reflicted

 

[Rio Ferdinand]

OP must have missed the brunson fight