Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev says Colby Covington didn’t want to fight him. Instead, the Russian star has his eyes set on former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.
During a recent Red Corner MMA video, Chimaev called out Colby Covington for “running” away from a fight. Covington and Chimaev have been linked in a potential scrap but no official fight has been made. Covington last fought at UFC 272, where he defeated Jorge Masvidal. Since then, he’s been quiet while in a legal matter stemming from a physical altercation with Masvidal in Miami.
Chimaev believes he’s next in line for the 170-pound belt. Leon Edwards will defend his UFC welterweight title in a trilogy fight against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 in London.
“I have no clue, either. At first, they said it was Colby Covington,” Chimaev said. “We’ve been waiting for half a year. It looks like he doesn’t want it. They all call me out, but as soon as the UFC tries to make the fight, they start running. I think it’s going to be the winner of [Kamaru] Usman vs. [Leon] Edwards III, whoever takes it will face me.”
Khamzat Chimaev Wants A Shot Against A Former UFC Champion
The 28-year-old also has his eyes set for a return to the middleweight division. He shared that Robert Whittaker would be a suitable opponent. Chimaev hasn’t fought at 185 pounds since Sept. 2020.
“I think I will fight Robert Whittaker. He’s got no opponent. Paulo Costa ran away after talking that much about me and Robert so I will fight Whittaker. I want this fight, although I like him as a human being. He is a solid guy, doesn’t talk trash, doesn’t cross any lines. We are going to have fun at the press conference and fight each other.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
Chimaev holds a 12-0 undefeated record. His last octagon appearance was in September at UFC 279, where he beat Kevin Holland by first-round submission.