At UFC 308 in late October, Chimaev finished former middleweight division champion Robert Whittaker in the first round.
"I would say their fighting is the same level, but they have different styles. They're not the same, they're just different, like Khabib and Islam - they're the same level but different, and Hamzat is different too.
Hamzat is an incredible fighter. He moved Whittaker, showed great control and then Robert gave his back, his jaw snapped and his teeth came out. I was a little shocked. At first I was surprised Robert gave up so quickly - I knew he would only tap if he was in unbearable pain," Mendes told Red Corner MMA.