Khamzat Chimaev isn’t stopping at one UFC belt. Hell, he isn’t even stopping at two.
On August 16, ‘Borz’ will look to capitalize on his first world title alternative when he challenges reigning and defending middleweight titleholder Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago.
First introducing himself in 2020 with three spectacular wins within the span of eight weeks, Chimaev gave the impression to be on the quick observe to a title shot. Sadly, a collection of sicknesses and weigh-in setbacks considerably halted his momentum. Nonetheless, that didn’t cease him from stacking up wins in opposition to ex-champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, establishing himself as the following man in line.
Capturing gold in ‘Chi-City’ will etch Chimaev’s title within the UFC historical past books, however ‘Borz’ isn’t planning to cease there.
“[Jack Della Maddalena] can be a very good struggle for me. Go down… take the belt there,” Chimaev advised ESPN. “If I’m going up, there may be Ankalaev and Alex Pereira… can struggle for that belt as properly.”
First issues first for Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev beforehand competed at 170 kilos — the division ‘JDM’ at the moment reigns over because the undisputed welterweight champion — however he was finally compelled to maneuver as much as middleweight after coming in eight kilos obese for a scheduled headliner in opposition to Nate Diaz in 2022.
‘Borz’ has beforehand teased the potential for transferring again down, and will he achieve doing so, it appears like a run on the UFC’s gentle heavyweight crown may very well be within the playing cards.
However first, the undefeated Chechen monster should do what no man has accomplished earlier than — beat Dricus du Plessis contained in the Octagon.
“Everybody says he has a bizarre fashion, very bizarre – that’s MMA, MMA fashion,” Chimaev mentioned of his opponent whereas talking to reporters at a media occasion. “I don’t assume he’s some loopy, bizarre (fighter), however he does his job. He does good and he’s a very good fighter. I’m higher.”
