Khamzat Chimaev is the newest star to grace the UFC and it appears that he is destined to become a world champion in the not-too-distant future. In this article, we’ll take you through the early career of Chimaev and explain why betting on him to emerge victorious in his next few fights is a safe bet, almost as safe as using no risk matched betting. We’ll also consider who might be next for the rising star and discuss how soon you can expect to see him holding UFC gold.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Rise To Prominence
Chimaev burst onto the scene in the summer of 2020 and made an instant impact when he fought twice in the space of 10 days.
The Dagestani native made his promotional debut at middleweight against Welsh puncher John Phillips. Chimaev was so dominant in his first UFC round that one judge scored it 10-7 in his favour. A round later he wrapped up his first Octagon win by way of D’arce choke.
Just 10 days later, Chimaev dropped down to welterweight to take on UFC debutante and Cage Warriors standout, Rhys McKee. This time he looked even better, dominating McKee from the opening bell and finding the finish inside the first round.
In September 2020, Chimaev moved to 3-0 in the UFC as he picked up the biggest win of his career with a spectacular one-punch KO of Gerald Meerschaert. The long-time UFC middleweight was a considerable step in opposition and many suspected that ‘GM3’ could spring the upset. However, Chimaev silenced his doubters with the first punch he landed which closed the show in just 17 seconds.
‘Borz’ Proved He’s Legit At UFC 267
Chimaev returned from a year-long layoff at UFC 267. ‘The Wolf’ faced the toughest test of his 10-fight career when he squared off against Li Jingliang in Abu Dhabi.
‘Borz’ reminded everyone why he is one of the most exciting prospects in MMA when he picked up Jingliang, carried him over to the corner Dana White was sitting in, and then slammed him to the mat in that area so he could chat with the UFC president.
Chimaev made the toughest test of his career to date look like a stroll in the park, submitting Jingliang in just over three minutes.
What & Who Is Next For Khamzat Chimaev?
The 27-year-old seems destined for great things and it appears he will get the opportunity to achieve those things in the near future.
Dana White is a massive Chiamev fan and has been trying to match him up with a top-five welterweight fighter but none of them really seem to be interested in fighting the undefeated Swede.
The UFC president tends to get what he wants when it comes to matchmaking so you can expect Chimaev to be booked in a big fight soon. Leon Edwards seems a likely opponent, with a UFC London card coming in March 2022, it would make perfect sense to have ‘Rocky’ and Chimaev headline the event.
A win in that fight would make ‘Borz’ the undeniable number one contender at welterweight. Chimaev would then be looking at a title fight with Kamaru Usman in the summer months of 2022. We fancy he’ll be the man to end Usman’s dominant title run.
Do you think Khamzat Chimaev will become the UFC welterweight champion in 2022?