Khamzat Chimaev was as good as it gets in his promotional debut at UFC Fight Island 1, utilizing his smothering wrestling against John Phillips before a second round stoppage.
One of four debuting fighters on the UFC Fight Island 1 card, Khamzat Chimaev made his first walk to the octagon for the featured preliminary fight of the ESPN event. Welcoming him to the promotion, John Phillips, looking for his second win under the UFC banner.
Phillips had started his UFC run at 0-3, but staved off a cut by defeating Alen Amedovski via KO last September. Sweden’s “Borz,” meanwhile, was debuting with a perfect 6-0 record. He’d competed for Brave CF, and had earned high marks from teammates like Alexander Gustafsson.
Both came out early throwing a big exchange as Chimaev quickly got a double leg takedown. Chimaev busted Phillips open early with excellent ground and pound before taking the back. Chimaev was non-stop with his punches, landing actively while controlling the back of Phillips. Phillips was just more worried about surviving the round rather than getting back to his feet. Chimaev ended the round on top after a dominant round one full of top control and damage.
In round two Chimaev quickly took Phillips down with a double-leg. Back where he left off in round one, Chimaev started to work his ground and pound. As Phillips went to turn away Chimaev sunk in a d’arce choke, forcing Phillips to tap.
Chimaev has been referred to as “Khabib 2.0” and with the performance and style he displayed, that seems to be an apt description.
Khamzat Chimaev def. John Phillips by Submission (D’arce Choke) in Round 2 (1:12)
