Jon Jones has weighed in on Khamzat Chimaev’s split-decision loss to Sean Strickland, offering detailed advice as the former UFC middleweight champion chases an immediate rematch.
Chimaev entered his first title defense as a heavy favorite but faded after a strong opening round and largely abandoned his wrestling, dropping a close call on the scorecards. His next fight is not yet booked, but he is calling for another shot at Strickland.
Jones made it clear he’s in Chimaev’s corner. “Big fan of Khamzat,” he said. “It was hard to see him lose. It really was. I was really surprised by that fight.”
The former longtime champion laid out what he believes Chimaev should focus on. “If I was Khamzat, I would work on my weaknesses. That’s something I personally do before every fight. I watch a fight I will say ‘how can this person beat me? Where is he strong? Where am I perceived to be weak?’. I would say to switching up your endurance routine, maybe something different, and spend more time on your back. That way in the future, you’re just so comfortable being there, maybe throw up some submissions and things like that.”
Jones highlighted Chimaev’s strengths — “Khamzat is a great kicker, a great boxer, and a great wrestler, especially when he puts you in that body lock,” — but emphasized development off his back and mentality, adding, “Focus on your mindset. Losses happen. Sometimes the best version of people comes out after a loss.”
