Surging UFC welterweight Khamzat Chimaev has been told to copy the persona which made Brock Lesnar a star.
Lesnar rose to fame in the WWE but crossed over to MMA in 2007. In just his fourth professional fight, the 6'3" giant won the UFC heavyweight title against Randy Couture and defended it twice.
During his early days in the WWE, Lesnar let his huge physique and athletic capabilities do the talking as his manager Paul Heyman would introduce him to the crowd. UFC analyst Chael Sonnen thinks Chimaev should take note from Lesnar and employ the same tactic for his fighting career.
"The reason that Paul Heyman speaks for Brock Lesnar, according to Vince McMahon, Brock's a very smart guy he's even got a great character, but monsters don't talk. For 22 years, they have been able to sell out the biggest arenas with Brock Lesnar to just go out there and be a monster," Sonnen said on his YouTube channel.
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"I do know that Brock has a new character, he doesn't have Paul with him and Brock is now doing his own talking, he's bigger than he's ever been. I get that, sometimes it goes the other way. But the cancellation of Vince McMahon is still very relevant, monsters don't talk."
"There is something about Chimaev in broken English, barely being able to communicate with the audience and he can bring them to their feet in two to three sentences. There is something about him being a mystery that always works.
Chimaev is set for a big step up in competition this Saturday when he fights former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. 'Borz' is a heavy favourite going into the clash despite only having four UFC fights under his belt.
Sonnen's comments were echoed by former two-weight UFC champion Daniel Cormier, who believes Chimaev should show less of himself to fans and continue to be a mystery.
“I love the whole buddy-buddy thing with Darren Till but I think it’s a mistake," Cormier told MMA Fighting. "I think he should continue to be a mystery to people.
"I think he should have as little time in front of the public and showing who he is, pulling the curtain back. I would pull the curtain back as little as I could if I’m Khamzat, just because the mystery is good for him. He’s very scary."
