OG Khamzat fans...how we feeling this morning?

[BoxingFan653]

Been a Khamzat fan for several years now. Really thought the idea of him ever getting a title shot was looking bleak circa 2021-22. Really happy he finally won but other than stating the obvious from last night (boring fight, etc) here are my key take aways.

- I think Khamzat having his first 5 round fight much less for the title and against a monster like DDP resulted in him playing it way too safe yesterday which = losing a lot of the non Khamzat/casual fan base.

- Was surprised by how rarely Khamzat even attempted the rear naked or any submission. Seems like he just mathed out by late round 1 or early 2 he's just gonna keep taking him down and turn it into a wrestling match. I think he wanted the belt and victory at any cost.

- DDP is very difficult to submit, his anatomy his awkward and it seemed like Khamzat rarely even tried and was just trying to run the clock out. I am not sure he had any other options to victory.

- I don't anticipate Khamzat to routinely fight this way. He's never had a boring match before other than Usman fight which was his 2nd biggest threat and still a decent fight for a 3 rounder. I do understand fans turning on him but I don't see his fights commonly going that way

- I am very concerned about his inability to ground n pound. That was my biggest take away. What was that about? I know he was pacing himself and when he had DDP in a crucifix the angle was too awkward to load up on punches but other than the knees to the side everything looked like love taps

- I do think the after effect of this victory is the MW division is terrified of Khamzat. I know some here would say no one is scared to get laid on for 5 rounds but Khamzat has quietly rag dolled Usman, DDP, Whitaker, etc at this point.

What did I miss?

 

[jeskola]

Khamzat did his thing 50-44. DDP is dangerous and he didn't want to take unnecessary risks against such a dangerous guy in his first title fight. Was it boring? Yes, but it was also completely dominant. I would have no regrets if I was Khamzat.

 

[FrappeDuRocma]

Wonderful, I'm still shocked at how he made DDP look like an amateur. He spanked him, like a dad, with his impolite boy.

 

[ElLunico]

Not an OG Khamzat fan but respect his talent and skills a lot. Im a little dissapointed he didnt get the finish after being in so many favorable positions in the fight. He was super agressive getting the TD's but then he played it safe when he got DDP down or got his back.

Those were the least damage from GnP I've ever seen lol. And I know DDP is a tank, tough as hell, but hes been finished twice before too.

Still very impressive performance controlling a man that strong and big for the division but disappointed he didnt get the finish. His aura would have increased so much if he got DDP outta there

 

[Frode Falch]

The last great one dimensional fighter i guess?

But wrestling dictate the fights. So he will probably stay champion a while.

Now i seem to try a less risky GSP like fighting strategy. So he will keep the belt a while

 

[2004 account]

Justified. I've abstained from going all out against ddp and his fans cause I knew I didn't need to explain my support and faith in khamzat. So many years in this sport to know how a specialist can dominate their division if they are unstoppable in what they do...plus recognizing high fight iq. I mean isn't that what people defend their goating of gsp?

 

[Tweak896]

Khamzat has put up enough 1st round finishes to get an uneventful decision. He grabbed DDPs back every opportunity he had. Truth is DDP just was in sub defense mode. Nothing Khamzat can do if his opponent just wants to play defense.