What's new at Ludus Martial Arts

We’re so proud of our team! Find out how they’ve been doing, as well as what else has been going on at our gym lately.

‘Nothing special’: Khamzat Chimaev unimpressed by UFC 297’s Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland

Khamzat Chimaev was not impressed by the UFC 297 main event.

The middleweight title changed hands at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, as Dricus Du Plessis edged out a split decision over incumbent champion Sean Strickland. It was a close battle that left many wondering who would emerge victorious, as Bruce Buffer left everyone hanging on the edge of their seat as he revealed the final scorecard.

Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who could find himself as the next contender for the title, saw nothing over the 25-minute fight left an impression. In fact, he believes he could exploit openings on both Du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) and Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC).

“I expected the fight to be like that,” Chimaev told ESPN MMA. “Nothing special. I think it was like 50/50. It could go on which side. Maybe it’s right. Maybe it’s not. I don’t know. For me, Strickland won that fight. But that was close fight for them both. But nothing special. Nothing making me like, ‘This guy’s somebody else.’ They both have a lot of things I can see where I can finish them.”

Chimaev believes the fight came down to the final round, which he scored for Strickland. He thought Du Plessis won Rounds 3 and 4, while Strickland won Rounds 1,2 and 5.

“It was a good fight, but at the same time nothing that special,” Chimaev said. “Just like hard sparring. Some takedowns, and they come up. Nobody tried to finish anyone, and that’s why it’s not anything special with that.”

“Borz” was last in action at UFC 294, where he picked up a majority decision win over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who stepped up on short notice for the three-round, 185-pound fight. If his name isn’t called, Chimaev, currently ranked No. 9 by the promotion, isn’t sure who else would be up for the next middleweight title fight.

“Israel (Adesanya) is out, I don’t know when he’s coming back,” Chimaev said. “What did he say, 2027 or something? All these guys fought each other. Only me who is undefeated and undisputed, you know? 13-0. … They promised me after Usman fight, ‘You are for sure going to fight for the title.’ I won that fight. I heard Dana White said, ‘I don’t think Khamzat is next for the title.’ That’s bullsh*t.”

Chimaev would like to see the UFC CEO stick to his word and give him a shot at the title.

“I don’t care if it’s some president or something,” Chimaev said. “If you give your word, you have to answer for that. … I will be surprised if somebody fights for the title next that’s not me.”

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, May 7: Jose Aldo returns to top 10

Following UFC 301, the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings required updating. In the main event of UFC 301 at Rio Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja denied challenger Steve Erceg to maintain his position as No. 1. The co-main event produced the biggest move of...

Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal 2 shifted to July 6, avoids UFC 302 conflict

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal’s rematch has a new date and a new venue. The combat sports rematch between the two former UFC stars was originally set to take place on June 1 at Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., but has now been shifted due to the date playing...

come and try a ludus mma class free!

We want to make sure that Ludus MMA is the right fit for you before asking you to commit to a membership.
That’s why we’d like to offer you a FREE ONE-DAY PASS to our gym.

With your FREE PASS, you can:

  • Try as many classes as you’d like,
  • Explore the facility
  • Talk to our coaches one-on-one about what you can expect as a member

© Copyright 2024 - Ludus Martial Arts - 730 Beach Blvd, Unit 105, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

(904) 374-4186 / ludusmartialarts@gmail.com