UFC middleweight Darren Stewart is nicknamed “The Dentist” because “[his opponent] is just another patient who’s gonna get drilled.” However, during a recent appearance on the Abz Talks MMA Podcast, “The Dentist” said that during a recent training session, breakout fighter of the year Khamzat Chimaev removed one of his fillings.
A former BRAVE CF contender, Chimaev had an unparalleled, record-setting debut through a standard UFC three-fight contract. He was hit just twice in his first three league fights, and both were in his first bout; maybe he was nervous. And the number of shots it takes “Borz (Wolf)” to win is decreasing, as the level of competition increases:
•It took 124 punches before he submitted John Phillips at middleweight;
•68 punches to TKO Rhys McKee at welterweight, breaking the league record for quickest turnaround between wins in the modern era (10 days); and,
•Just four punches to KO Gerald Meerschaert, back at middleweight.
All three fights won performance bonuses.
However, some still harbor doubts about whether Chimaev is the next big thing. Stewart talked about it after training with “Borz” at Allstars Gym in Sweden.
I know people sit there and say he hasn’t fought certain people, said Stewart. He hasn’t yet. But look here, bro, the guy took a filling out of my tooth, just by cranking my neck. He’s so strong, bruv. You could sit there and say, ‘It’s not about strength,’ and this. Brother, he’s so technical and so strong. … I was grappling with him, and my ear ripped. Then he had to come put tape around my head. It was mad.
Chimaev’s level would have been determined in the main event on 1/20 on Fight Island, vs. #3 welterweight Leon Edwards.
I’m not saying Leon can’t beat him, said Stewart. We haven’t seen him fight people like that. … It’s going to be a good one. … I’ve seen what [Khamzat] does. He’s not a guy to mess with. But in this game, yeah, MMA is MMA, and anything can happen. So I’ve heard from [Edwards’ brother, current Bellator contender Fabian Edwards] that Leon is a bad man, and I’ve seen that Khamzat is a bad man, so it’s going to be a good matchup. The unfortunate thing is [Chimaev] hasn’t fought no one, but then what do you want him to do? You can only fight who’s in front of you, so yeah, I’m looking forward to that one.
Unfortunately, Chimaev is out vs. Edwards, delaying the bout again. Their first fight, at UFC on ESPN+ 42 on 12/19 was postponed when Edwards tested positive for COVID-19 and postponed. Hopefully the third time’s a charm
h/t John Morgan for MMA Junkie
