MMA Preview – Li Jingliang vs Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 267
LI JINGLIANG VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV FACTS
When is UFC 267? Saturday 30th October, 2021 - 17:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 267? Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 267? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 267
What channel is UFC 267 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 267? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
LI JINGLIANG VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV LOWDOWN
Li Jingliang (18-6) is back for his second outing of the year which is great to see as he as only fought three times since 2018. That year, Jake Matthews snapped a four-fight streak with a decision, but he bounced back with a unanimous decision of his own against Daichi Abe and then two brilliant TKO’s and ‘performance of the night’ bonuses over David Zawada and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Neil Magny then halted the momentum in his sole appearance of 2020, but he is back on track with a brilliant first-round knockout over the feared but rusty striker Santiago Ponzinibbio.
One of the biggest hype trains we have seen arrived at the UFC station last year where Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) proceeded to record the quickest three-fight win streak in modern UFC history. He ragdolled John Phillips submitting him in the second round, ragdolled Rhys McKee finishing him with ground-and-pound in the first round and the got fed Gerald Meerschaert and did not even need his wrestling boots, starching him in 17 seconds. However, COVID-19 hit him hard and was even contemplating retirement as he was suffering so badly, but thankfully, he returns and everyone is onboard.
LI JINGLIANG VS KHAMZAT CHIMAEV PREDICTION
Although it was only Phillips and Meerschaert, Chimaev looked terrifying at middleweight and is even more of a beast down at welterweight. He will be the bigger man with a four-inch reach advantage and is clearly a monster wrestler with technique to match his power complimented by a crazy work rate.
That said he is still unproven at the highest level and Jingliang is a great test for him. He is experienced, well-rounded and has displayed knockout power of his own recently. His left hook in particular is devastating, and he can land it if Chimaev recklessly walks him down.
Jingliang also has thunderous kicks which are very effective when his opponents sit in range. However, Chimaev will not stay still for a second and will aggressively close the distance, not allowing Jingliang to wind up.
Jingliang has to be on the ball from the bell and look to counter. If he hesitates for a second Chimaev will be in his grill throwing power strikes before taking him down. As long as Chimaev has fully recovered and his gas tank has replenished, we expect him to close the hunt the takedown like a rabid dog and put on a ferocious pace.
Unless Jingliang catches him with that left hook, we expect Chimaev to throw him around before sealing another finish.
Prediction: Chimaev via Submission - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Jingliang to win
