Chimaev was correct in one aspect. It's true that many believe he has the chance to be the first to defeat Ye Chen. However, professional analysts remain confident in Ye Chen's abilities. The odds reflect this belief, with Ye Chen at -200 and Chimaev at +150. Historically, Ye Chen often enters the ring as an underdog, especially in the early stages of his fights.
On the other hand, Chimaev has never been one to conform to expectations. Betting companies have maintained a positive outlook on him, whether he is up against Burns or Huazi, despite the waves of criticism he receives online. I must acknowledge, though, that he's an incredibly formidable competitor. While some may argue that his skills are not well-rounded, he has nonetheless garnered nearly ten million fans and established himself as a rising star in the fight world. More importantly, his growth is evident—both in his technical abilities and mental toughness. His recent performances against Holland and Huazi demonstrate marked improvement. If Chimaev continues to evolve at this pace, he could emerge as a truly dominant force, one that even Ye Chen would have to respect.
Nonetheless, since his victory over Makhachev, fans have been more divided than ever about the outcome of Chimaev's bouts. Even during his fight against Shou Jun Meng, fan responses were not as heated as they are this time around. Recently, DC was interviewed regarding this matchup and shared his thoughts candidly. He stated, "Ye Chen is a strategic fighter who excels at controlling his opponent's rhythm, while Chimaev is a relentless force that aims to disrupt it completely. I would say it's a 50-50 call right now. However, if Ye Chen can endure the first two rounds, his chances of winning will significantly increase. The longer the fight drags on, the better it plays into his hands. The ultimate question is how Ye Chen responds to Chimaev's aggressive style from the very beginning."
Khabib added, "Ye Chen is incredibly composed; he knows how to exploit his opponents' weaknesses. If anyone can be the first to take down Chimaev, it would be him. But Chimaev will certainly have opportunities to win, too. Sometimes a fighter appears invincible until they encounter defeat. Right now, Ye Chen seems to be in that zone. However, no athlete can sustain invincibility forever; winning can't be guaranteed all the time."
In summary, most professionals hold a rather ambiguous stance on this matchup, which indicates the unpredictable nature of the fight. The narrow betting odds suggest that analysts are also taking a conservative approach in their predictions. Online, chatter has been rampant, heavily laced with emotion rather than logic.
Comments have ranged from the domestic front, with statements like, "The Dog King is sure to lose; after all, Burns had him on the ropes!" to dismissive predictions of Chimaev's chances against Ye Chen. "The Dog King's going to have a rough night, especially if he's ten pounds overweight! Let's hope there's no weight disagreement this time," one observer speculated. Other fans chimed in, reflecting their skepticism about the fighters' professionalism, with comments like, "As long as they're not physically locked inside the cage, I just can't see Chimaev truly coming away with a victory."
A handful of comments focused on the stakes for Ye Chen: "If he manages to beat Chimaev, I can't picture anyone in the lightweight or junior heavyweight divisions capable of challenging him." To which another replied, "Pereira might be a threat." This prompted a response: "Come on, mate, that's middleweight. Honestly, I don't want Ye Chen to move up; Pereira's physique is intimidating, and his punches pack a wallop. Let's focus on winning against the Dog King first."
Overall, the atmosphere was abuzz with excitement. Each opinion contributed to the growing narrative surrounding the fight, encapsulating both analysis and emotional investment. Following the press conference, fighters were focused on their final preparations and weight cuts. Ye Chen, true to form, has been diligently working without delving into online analyses, not out of disinterest but rather to avoid outside influences that could creep into his mindset. He recognized the importance of relying on his own skills and strategies.
Every day, he has been essentially battling Chimaev in a simulated environment, with over a thousand practice rounds logged. He firmly believes he can neutralize Chimaev's three-point axe strikes. The key considerations revolve around Chimaev's current standing and the new tactics he might bring to the fight.
The weigh-in day soon arrived. Ye Chen successfully tipped the scale at 170 pounds, as did Chimaev. Ye Chen felt a wave of relief watching Chimaev pass the weigh-in without issues, given the whispers about his weight in the past. Dana and other officials shared a collective sigh of relief—an event of this magnitude would have been severely impacted by a weight-related incident. With the intense focus on the matchup, an overweight Chimaev would likely provoke criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Ultimately, it was best for both fighters to hit the scale accurately and prepare for battle without further distractions. To ensure this run smoothly, Dana ensured that staff were assigned to supervise Chimaev closely. "Keep him on track. We can't afford any slip-ups in these final days," was the mantra echoing behind the scenes. Ye Chen remained unfazed, consistently displaying a readiness that had served him well in numerous prior matches.
Finally, the much-anticipated game night arrived for everyone involved. At Söder Stadium, which can accommodate around 70,000 spectators, the energy was palpable. Given the octagonal cage occupies only a small section, additional seating had been arranged to meet the demands generated by this fight's massive popularity. The organization was more than equipped for such needs, as the promotion often hosted concerts and high-profile events.
As the colorful lights danced and the roars of a near-capacity crowd reached a deafening volume, it felt as if the very sky strained under the excitement. Enormous promotional banners adorned the venue, highlighting the fight between Ye Chen and Chimaev. This event was especially noteworthy, as UFC had launched a significant free live broadcast across Asia—a gamble designed to showcase the sport on a continental scale. By doing so, they aimed not only to capture viewer interest but to reinforce their brand's global presence, effectively minimizing risk and maximizing reward.
For those who had already purchased the pay-per-view, future digital events would be accessible without a hitch, seamlessly rolling over to the next installment. Given that Ye Chen frequently attracts massive viewership, Migu ensured a live broadcast whenever he fights. This has led to online viewership scores soaring into the tens of millions. In fact, it can realistically be called one of the largest fighting events in the history of Asia.
The action zipped along, and before long, we found ourselves at the main event. Li Zhengyong's match was the fourth to last in this much-anticipated lineup. He fought valiantly, showcasing impeccable strength and resilience, delivering a series of powerful counterattacks that left the audience in awe. With merely forty seconds left in the first round, he decisively defeated his opponent, igniting thunderous applause from the ecstatic Hanguo crowd.
Although the fights leading up to the main event were thrilling, the fighters themselves weren't household names. Given Ye Chen's tremendous ticket-selling prowess, the UFC opted to save the heavy-hitters for later events, understanding that the spotlight truly belonged to the matchup between Ye Chen and Wolf King.
Finally, anticipation swelled. The moment everyone had been waiting for was just around the corner: Ye Chen versus Chimaev, the headline event of the evening.