At UFC 328, a rare statistical anomaly occurred twice when fighters who scored 8 or more takedowns in title fights lost their bouts. Historically, fighters who land 5 or more takedowns in UFC title fights win 81.08% of the time, while those with 7 or more win 83% of the time. Khamzat Chimaev and Tatsuro Taira landed 9 and 8 takedowns respectively but both lost their fights. Taira secured nearly 11 minutes of control time with quality takedowns and full guard positions, yet was still finished. The post analyzes how elite wrestlers maintain an 80% win rate, but factors like weight cutting issues, injuries, travel, and cardio problems can reduce their chances dramatically against well-rounded strikers. It suggests Chimaev needs to develop more as a complete mixed martial artist rather than relying primarily on wrestling.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
