UFC 294: Chimaev vs Usman Odds, Analysis, Betting Preview, And More
Chimaev & Usman Go Face to Face This Saturday In Abu Dhabi
Who Will Come Out of the Cage With The W?
When you hear, “Everybody, I come here for everybody, I kill everybody,” fear not, Khamzat ‘Borz’ Chimaev isn’t a cold-blooded murderer; he’s figuratively speaking, thank God.
However, this weekend at UFC 294, the unblemished record of Chimaev may need a murderous mind because he’ll be taking on his toughest test to date when ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Kamaru Usman returns to the octagon in Abu Dhabi.
Join me, Sin City Sniper, as I explore the upcoming Chimaev vs Usman odds and leave no UFC rumors stone unturned with this incredible UFC 294 clash of the titans.
UFC 294
Day/Time:
Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Main Event Bout: Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski
Co-Main Moneyline Probability: Chimaev – 76.6% (-328) Usman – 27.9% (+256)
Streaming: ESPN+
Khamzat ‘Borz’Chimaev
Some UFC news sites would describe Khamzat Chimaev as psychopathic, but for the purpose of avoiding defamation lawsuits, we’ll adjust that description to “passionate.” Whenever the cage door closes behind this man, you can smell a rancid stench of fear from his opponents—minus Gilbert Burns—and they have every good reason to be cautious in going toe-to-toe with this level of “passion.”
As a professional, Chimaev has sailed through the opposition with little resistance—minus Gilbert Burns. Behind an 83% finish rate (KO/TKO & Submission), Borz has won six consecutive UFC bouts, thus adding to his regional scene tenure where he also dominated six opponents inside the distance and is now boasting an undefeated record of 12-0.
Notable “Trends”
- Chimaev owns a 92% finish rate in his pro-MMA career
- Chimaev isn’t a psychopath; he’s “passionate”
- Chimaev has “come here for everybody, he’ll kill everybody”
Moneyline Odds at -328
Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev
MMA Career Recap
Record 12-0
He faces Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 pic.twitter.com/sKDatavY40
— Ocelot MMA (@Ocelot_MMA) October 16, 2023
Kamaru ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman
The former pound-for-pound No.1, the G.O.A.T., a man that obliterated welterweight opponents for seven consecutive years between 2015 and 2022 with a 15-fight win streak… Kamaru Usman!
It’s still difficult to believe the Nigerian native is riding a two-fight losing streak, but it is what it is. Leon Edwards was obviously the kryptonite this Superman couldn’t overcome. However, with a move up to the middleweight this weekend, a fresh set of opposition is here for the taking, and if anybody can conquer another weight class, I’d look no further than The Nigerian Nightmare.
Notable “Trends”
- Usman loves to hug; 67% of his UFC schedule wins were by decision, primarily with a wrestling game plan
- Usman accepted the Chimaev fight on short notice, our hero!
- Usman has won via KO/TKO versus Jorge Masvidal, Gilbert Burns, and Colby Covington
Moneyline Odds at +256
Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman
UFC Career Recap
Record 15-1
THREAD: pic.twitter.com/PzFy0877kX
— Ocelot MMA (@Ocelot_MMA) March 14, 2023
Chimaev vs Usman: Tale of the Tape
| UFC 294 | Khamzat Chimaev | Kamaru Usman |
|---|---|---|
| Country | UAE | Nigeria |
| Age | 29 | 36 |
| Pro Record (Win/Loss) | 12-0-0 | 20-3-0 |
| KO/Sub/Dec | 5 KOs, 6 Submissions | 9 KOs, 1 Submission |
| Height | 6’0” | 6’2” |
| Reach | 75.0” | 70.0” |
| Avg Fight Time | 17:35 | 15:12 |
| Knockdown Avg (15 min) | 0.50 | 1.00 |
| Sig Strikes Landed Per Min | 4.46 | 7.30 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 46% | 50% |
| Win/Loss History (Last 5) | W/W/W/W/W | L/L/W/W/W |
Chimaev’s Fight Style
He’s an excitable lad, our Chimaev, but he shouldn’t rely on past game plans coming to fruition this weekend in Abu Dhabi. If Borz deploys an all-systems-go style that has displayed his elite skillset against opponents levels below, it could be to his detriment as the excellence in specific areas such as wrestling can be equaled by Usman.
Without the domineering offensive wrestling, how does Chimaev achieve victory? Pace! Usman is renowned for his pacing, and an erratic blueprint, which has worked for Chimaev and gifted him with seven round-one-stoppages, must be toned down.
The Burns fight was Chimaev’s most formidable opponent, and it was the first time we saw him get tested. Red flags rose with his cardio, and although he did an excellent job with his forward pressure and jabs, Usman flatlined this same opponent and could present even more complications for Borz.
Again, remaining patient and avoiding the urge to go all guns blazing will be Chimaev’s best path to victory. Test the waters in striking, or make history by becoming the first-ever competitor to defeat Usman in a wrestle-off; either way, patience is a virtue.
La lutte de Khamzat Chimaev à l’UFC 🤼♂️🐺 pic.twitter.com/OwHKSgrJQp
— WrestlingMMA (@Wrestling__MMA) October 15, 2023
Usman Fight Style
Leon Edwards could’ve damaged the psychology of Usman, and perhaps his confidence has been depleted. However, taking all things into account in the belief that his mentality is stable, the former welterweight king has the wrestling mastermind and striking skill set to cause a serious problem for UFC’s middleweights, including Chimaev!
To reiterate a previous statement made in the Chimaev breakdown, patience will be key. However, with countless five-round wars, lopsided decision wins, and plenty of late stoppages, Usman is built for this and has presented a calming style for most of his career.
I believe the first takedown attempts will be crucial; should Usman sprawl and defend, it’ll likely force a striking game plan from Chimaev, who must be tentative about his cardio. Vice versa, should Usman out-power and dictate a wrestling scenario, we know his cardio is unstoppable and may encourage his in-octagon efforts for the remainder of the fight.
However, as we’ve seen time and time again, two talented wrestlers avoid the obvious and regularly engage in a striking battle. And if this is the case, I’d expect body shots to be Usman’s most viable path to victory as it’s another method to draining the cardio of Chimaev, which has already displayed some concerns.
La défense de takedown de Kamaru Usman 🤼♂️🇳🇬🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/LEa4tLyivL
— WrestlingMMA (@Wrestling__MMA) October 18, 2023
Chimaev vs Usman Betting Prediction: Over 2.5 Rounds
Call me a wuss, whatever, but this contest is one of the hardest to predict from a straight-betting position. Based on the UFC odds, I wouldn’t be opposed to the Usman moneyline wager, but I’m not confident enough to actually bet on it.
There are so many questions on both sides that remain unanswered: Usman’s move to middleweight, the short notice factor, Chimaev versus an equally talented wrestler, the layoff for both fighters, Chimaev’s hunger for blood, whether or not Usman’s injuries and age are a factor, and many, many more, including Chimaev vs Usman odds.
Khamzat Chimaev compared Kamaru Usman to an “old” iPhone, and the former champ responded with his own analogy 📱 #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/4JxFywoByE
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 18, 2023
For this reason, I’m banking on the incredible durability both fighters have displayed during their professional MMA careers. There hasn’t been a regional scene event, UFC Fight Night or PPV where Chimaev has suffered defeat inside the distance, and outside of “Headshot Dead” by Edwards, Usman’s relaxed nature and top-tier defense has seen him avoid KO/TKO or submission losses in all but one of his 24 pro-MMA bouts.
Over 2.5 Rounds is the play, or ‘Fight Goes the Distance’; no matter how you bet it, this one’s going all three rounds. With that said and as some food for thought, a five-rounder would’ve told an entirely different story.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman Betting Odds
UFC 294 Co-Main Event: The Crystal Ball Precise Pick
In a wrestler vs wrestler matchup where both men possess equally dangerous striking credentials, a quick rub of my crystal ball reveals that the Chimaev vs Usman odds favor Chimaev due to his age, agility, and reach, giving him a striking edge. This could lead to a split-decision win in favor of Borz.
Bets You Can Make From a Chimaev Win Via Decision
- Over 2.5 Rounds
- Fight Goes the Distance
- Chimaev Moneyline
- Chimaev Wins by Decision
Khamzat Chimaev gets emotional and nearly breaks down after talking with an Orphaned girl about her dreams… pic.twitter.com/F6KoscgOIE
— Fight Haven (@FightHaven) October 12, 2023
Author: Sin City Sniper
Author: Sin City SniperBusting bookmakers and taking their money is his greatest joy in life. He’s been around the block more than once, knows the players both on and off the field of battle, and uses his experience to serve the bookies a heaping plate of humble pie washed down by a warm glass of their salty tears. You can find him in any number of Vegas books, sniping weak lines and getting paid to do it.
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