And I have always been curious how Usman would look like at 185 as he's a huge for 170. I guess we'll see in what could be the fight of the night for the event. And the books lined Usman at 3.40... Remembering how Chimaev fared vs the smaller guy in Burns, I think that's a lot of value on Usman. Do the books really think Chimaev will finish or dominate the match? Against Usman? Dunno... But I think the line is too wide unless Usman has some sort of injury or something.
Was announced that they gonna fight as middleweights, not welterweights? I think bookies give Usman very low value. 1) he had 5 title defenses 2) he was winning that fight when he has lost his title 3) he is a wrestler also 4) he has one of the best striking coaches. What we got from Chimaev: 1) strength 2) self confidence 3) wrestling. But that self confidence played bad when Burns started to land punches in exchanges. Where strength is, there is also stamina nearby. I would value Usman for around 2.00 honestly and give Chimaev 1.40-1.50 only due to his series of wins and hype. In fact, I would not be surprised if Usman wins.
Costa has always been a 185'er, so no. Chimaev was scheduled to fight at 185. I guess it's an opportunity for Chimaev since Adesanya lost the belt to Strickland... Now they want another fan favorite in the mix. Not that Strickland isn't a fan favorite now. He's actually pretty good on the mic if he isn't goofing around.
And I guess Usman found it as an opportunity to try 185 too. There were talks that he wanted to move up straight to 205 because he didn't want to fight Adesanya at 185.