UFC 328 sees rare double upset as fighters with 8+ takedowns lose title bouts

At UFC 328, a rare statistical anomaly occurred twice when fighters who completed eight or more takedowns in title fights both lost their bouts. Historically, UFC fighters who land five or more takedowns in championship fights win 81.08% of the time, and those with seven or more win 83% of the time. Khamzat Chimaev landed nine takedowns and Kai Asakura landed eight, yet both were defeated. Asakura's takedowns were particularly effective with full positional control lasting nearly 11 minutes, but he was still finished. The analysis suggests that while elite wrestling maintains roughly 80% win probability, total well-roundedness is superior because wrestling is energy-intensive and vulnerable to health issues, weight cut problems, travel, and other variables. The post argues that Chimaev showed cardio for striking and potential as a more rounded fighter, suggesting he should develop more striking skills with proper coaching.