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The return of rising sensation Khamzat Chimaev is currently in the works.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wetzel, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is “close” to booking Chimaev against former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson for a November showdown.
Nothing is official at this time, but the 170-pound clash would serve as the main event and is likely to take place in Las Vegas after the promotion returns from “Fight Island.”
Per sources, UFC is close to booking sensation Khamzat Chimaev v. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson likely in Vegas in November. Major step up in competition for Khamzat, who would be headliner in just his 4th UFC fight.
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) October 2, 2020
While Chimaev was expected to fight Brazilian legend Demian Maia as part of a historic double-booking the promotion is now looking to give the undefeated prospect a bigger name in just his fourth UFC fight.
Chimaev, 26, made his Octagon debut back in July and ended up capturing two lopsided finishes in the span of 10 days, which is a new UFC record. Last month at UFC Vegas 11, “Borz” absolutely obliterated middleweight veteran Gerald Meerschaert with a 17-second KO (see it HERE). A victory over a proven contender like “Wonderboy” would position Chimaev for a potential title run in 2021, which is insane considering his limited Octagon exposure.
Thompson, 37, is coming off a masterful performance opposite Vicente Luque back at UFC 244. The victory helped end a two-fight losing streak for “Wonderboy” and get him back on track at 170 pounds. Despite his recent ups and downs Thompson remains one of the most difficult puzzles to solve in the welterweight division, evident by his two close title fights with Tyron Woodley and his unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal back in 2017.
What say you, Maniacs? Is Chimaev biting off more than he can chew? Or will he “smesh” Thompson and position himself for a title run?
Sound off!
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