Khamzat Chimaev nearly untouchable in first rounds, absorbing just 24 strikes

Across nine UFC fights, Khamzat Chimaev has absorbed only 24 significant strikes in first rounds, with 18 of those coming from Gilbert Burns alone. Five of his nine opponents failed to land a single significant strike in the opening five minutes, including current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. The post speculates that Sean Strickland will also struggle to land cleanly early, though some suggest Strickland's jab could disrupt the pattern. These statistics highlight Chimaev's dominant early pace and pressure.