UFC 328 witnessed an unusual statistical anomaly when two fighters lost title fights despite achieving eight or more takedowns. Historically, UFC fighters who complete five or more takedowns in title fights win 81.08% of the time, with that percentage rising to 83% for those landing seven or more. Khamzat Chimaev and Tatsuro Taira both defied these odds, completing nine and eight takedowns respectively yet still losing their bouts. Taira particularly dominated control time with nearly 11 minutes and quality takedowns with full mount positions, yet was still finished by Kai Asakura. The analysis suggests this demonstrates that elite-level versatility ultimately trumps even dominant wrestling, especially when factors like weight cutting, injuries, or travel affect a wrestler's performance.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
