Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

Vicente Luque On Chimaev Fight: All He Has To Do Is Say My Name

UFC welterweight contender Vicente Luque has welcomed a fight against rising star Khamzat Chimaev, saying the decision to sign the contract would be “simple” for him.

Luque has been on an impressive rise up the 170-pound ladder. Since a 2017 loss t…

Vicente Luque, Khamzat Chimaev

UFC welterweight contender Vicente Luque has welcomed a fight against rising star Khamzat Chimaev, saying the decision to sign the contract would be “simple” for him.

Luque has been on an impressive rise up the 170-pound ladder. Since a 2017 loss to the #3-ranked Leon Edwards, the Brazilian has gone 10-1, defeating the likes of Niko Price, Bryan Barberena, Mike Perry, and Randy Brown, and losing to only Stephen Thompson.

Since his setback to “Wonderboy,” Luque has won four straight, including 2021 victories over former champion Tyron Woodley and then-top-five contender Michael Chiesa. His victory over “Maverick,” which came at UFC 265 in August, saw “The Silent Assassin” expertly reverse position to submit Chiesa with a D’Arce choke.

Luque Places The Ball In Chimaev’s Court

After his latest victory, Vicente Luque continued his callouts of fan-favorite Nate Diaz, with the Stockton native even appearing to publicly accept the fight. But with talk of that clash disappearing, the 30-year-old is now on the hunt for other potential foes, and he’s certainly not afraid of anyone, not even an undefeated brute outside the top 10.

After making a splash in the UFC last year, Khamzat Chimaev was forced to the sidelines with a bad bout of COVID-19. When he returned at UFC 267 in October, “Borz” immediately entered the rankings and the title conversation with a first-round domination of Li Jingliang.

Reports initially suggested the promotion was targeting a matchup between Chimaev and #2-ranked contender Gilbert Burns. However, it’s now a teammate of “Durinho” pushing for a clash with the Chechen-born Swede.

During an Instagram live session, Luque started by praising his welterweight peer and acknowledged why there is so much hype surrounding his blossoming career. However, that doesn’t put him off entering the Octagon with Chimaev. The Brazilian said he’d have no problem accepting the fight and encouraged “Borz” to call out his name.

“I sure understand the hype behind it. He looks great in fights, he seems like a really strong guy. He goes in there and finishes every fight. So I understand the hype, I understand why the UFC wants to put you in big fights. Many people ask me about this fight (against Chimaev). And I’m here. If he mentions my name – because I didn’t hear him say my name – if he says my name and the UFC sends me the contract, I’m going to sign that contract. This is simple for me.

“But he didn’t mention my name. I think he said, ‘Anyone in the top.’ Well, when someone mentions my name and asks for this fight, I’m going to do it for sure. I think it’s a great fight, it’s an exciting fight. He’s a monster. He goes in there and tries to finish the opponent every second. It’s not much different from what I do. It would be a great fight, that’s for sure. If he wants to, if he warns the UFC and if they warn me, we’ll do it,” he concluded. (h/t ESPN)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXMv0dRopmj/

It’s perhaps unsurprising that one of the welterweights open to fighting Chimaev is Luque. “The Silent Assassin” has built a reputation as an always-game individual who doesn’t hesitate when it comes to accepting fights—unless it’s against his teammate Burns, of course.

Now that Luque has joined Neil Magny in calling out “Borz,” the idea that top contenders in the 170-pound weight class are avoiding him, a narrative pushed by many, including Derek Brunson, has perhaps lost its legs.

How do you think a fight between Vicente Luque and Khamzat Chimaev would play out?

Continue Reading Vicente Luque On Chimaev Fight: All He Has To Do Is Say My Name at MMA News.

Report: Nate Diaz Has Current UFC Contract Extended

UFC fans could see more of Nate Diaz in the coming year after MMA reporter Ariel Helwani reported that the Stockton native’s contract has been extended.

Diaz hasn’t fought since his unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 263 earlier this ye…

Nate Diaz

UFC fans could see more of Nate Diaz in the coming year after MMA reporter Ariel Helwani reported that the Stockton native’s contract has been extended.

Diaz hasn’t fought since his unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 263 earlier this year. He previously had one more fight left on his contract, but it appears that more fights may have been added to his deal for the same price tag.

Diaz hasn’t signed any new deal yet for more money, but that could be in the works in the coming months. Helwani reported the news via a post on his Substack page.

“Sounds like the UFC is moving on from Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nathan Diaz fight and, as a result, have extended Diaz’s contract,” Helwani said. “I think they knew that would happen and were hoping to buy time for when Conor McGregor is ready to return later this year,” the report states.

“Diaz hasn’t signed any new deal yet, so that, too, is a fascinating story to watch next year.”

Nate Diaz Has Called For Fights Against Top Contenders

Diaz and the UFC have been at a bit of a crossroads in terms of his potential next opponent. It had been speculated that Diaz would fight rising welterweight Vicente Luque next, but negotiations didn’t move forward.

Diaz has also hinted at a potential fight with Tony Ferguson, although it’s unclear what Ferguson’s plans for his return are. Ferguson last fought against Beneil Dariush at UFC 262 and has lost three straight bouts.

The UFC also offered Diaz a fight with Khamzat Chimaev, which he turned down and called Chimaev a “rookie”. Diaz’s extension could also potentially open the door to a trilogy with Conor McGregor as soon as next year.

Diaz has blossomed into a UFC pay-per-view star and could return to the Octagon sooner rather than later.

Who would you like to see Nate Diaz fight next in the UFC after having his contract extended?

Continue Reading Report: Nate Diaz Has Current UFC Contract Extended at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev Becoming UFC Champion Is A Safe Bet

Khamzat ChimaevKhamzat 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 […]

Khamzat Chimaev

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?

Neil Magny Continues To Call For A Fight With Khamzat Chimaev

Neil MagnyNeil Magny is confused why Dana White hasn’t made the fight after Magny said he would fight Khamzat Chimaev.  But the UFC welterweight is now left confused as to why the contract to fight Chimaev hasn’t come through yet, after the build up alongside Magny saying he would fight the welterweight bogeyman.   After rumors of […]

Neil Magny

Neil Magny is confused why Dana White hasn’t made the fight after Magny said he would fight Khamzat Chimaev. 

But the UFC welterweight is now left confused as to why the contract to fight Chimaev hasn’t come through yet, after the build up alongside Magny saying he would fight the welterweight bogeyman.  

After rumors of “Borz’s” retirement due to implications from covid he made his return at UFC 267 against fan favourite Li Jingliang.

But since Chimaev’s return there has been no talk of the two welterweights fighting, Magny spoke about this during a recent interview on The MMA Hour. 

“That’s the thing, I mean like, I’m trying to wrap my head around and I can’t figure it out. So last year was this whole, ‘No one wants to fight Khamzat Chimaev’. So Dana White came out and said, ‘You know what? I’m gonna give credit where it’s due, Neil Magny is the only guy that is willing to step in and fight Khamzat Chimaev’. I thought when he said that I was gonna be like, ‘Alright cool, Dana White acknowledged that. I’m the only guy who wants to fight Khamzat, this fight’s gonna happen. Let me just go ahead and wait for this contract to come through and yeah, here we are a year later, still discussing the same thing”. (Transcribed by Sportskeeda)

Is this the fight that makes sense for both Neil Magny and Khamzat Chimaev

With both fighters now being ranked the “Wolf” also spoke about their rankings in the interview: “No man, I’m here. I’ve been trying to fight you for literally a year. Last year you weren’t even ranked and I said, ‘Sure, I’ll take the fight.’ This year you’re finally ranked, you’re #11, I’m #7 and still not sure. Let’s make the fight, let’s make it happen”. 

Magny is currently ranked seventh in the welterweight division, and has won four out of his last five bouts. This would be the perfect fight for him considering the media attention around “Borz”, a win could put the “Wolf” in contention for a title shot. 

However this fight doesn’t really seem like Chimaev has much to gain apart from moving up in the rankings. Neil Magny is a relatively unknown fighter to the casual fan and seems like he could be a difficult matchup for him

Do you think a fight between Neil Magny and Khamzat Chimaev will happen?

Dana White: Sean O’Malley Is Not Like Khamzat Chimaev, He’s Not Ready For Ranked Opponents

Dana White has claimed that Sean O’Malley is not ready to face ranked opposition. ‘Suga’ is the most talked-about unranked fighter going today and for good reason. His style and swagger inside and out of the octagon is something that reminds a lot of fans and pundits about one particular fighter from Ireland. As the […]

Dana White has claimed that Sean O’Malley is not ready to face ranked opposition.

‘Suga’ is the most talked-about unranked fighter going today and for good reason. His style and swagger inside and out of the octagon is something that reminds a lot of fans and pundits about one particular fighter from Ireland. As the Suga Show’s star rises faster and faster, however, people question his unwillingness to take on a ranked opponent.

O’Malley has explained in the past why his current contract situation doesn’t make sense for him to take on tougher ranked and more high level opponents in the octagon, something that most fighters and fans would probably agree with at the end of the day, especially for someone with as big a brand as O’Malley has. While O’Malley’s opponent tomorrow night is the 21-3 Bantamweight Raulian Paiva, his detractors have pointed to Dominik Cruz and Cody Garbrandt as both ranked contenders that were willing to take on the Suga Show.

When Dana White talked to Robbie Fox of Barstool Sports this week, he explained why someone like O’Malley isn’t ready for the top-ranked fighters compared to someone like Khamzat Chimaev.

“He’s not ready,” White told Barstool Sports. “You guys wanna throw him to the wolves. You don’t move somebody that fast unless they’re Khamzat Chimaev. Khamzat is a guy you’ll feel comfortable moving that fast. I mean, O’Malley just lost a couple of fights ago to (Marlon Vera). So, talking about bigger fights and all that sh*t, this is a tough fight for him on Saturday night. In his last fight, he looked incredible, he put on a clinic. I think because O’Malley’s so popular and whatever, you’re always gonna have the critics that give this kid sh*t.”

Dana White Is Happy To Take Things Slow With Sean O’Malley

Dana’s explanation makes perfect sense for people that pay attention to the sport. While O’Malley’s star is red hot and getting hotter by the day, it wouldn’t be right to throw him in there right now with the likes of Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagan and Jose Aldo.

“He’s a tough kid, he’s fun, he’s exciting to watch,” White said. “But he’s making his way the way you’re supposed to. You don’t just turn O’Malley around and throw him in there against killers. That’s not how it works.” (Transcribed by MMA Fighting)

As we know, however, everything can change for O’Malley with another spectacular performance to kick off the UFC 269 Main Card tomorrow night in the T-Mobile Arena.

Do you agree with Dana White’s assessment of Sean O’Malley?

Sonnen: Shame On UFC Welterweights For Being Scared Of Chimaev

Chael Sonnen has his opinion on the UFC welterweights who turn down a fight with Khamzat Chimaev.

Up and coming star Khamzat Chimaev has been quickly rising up the UFC welterweight ranks. He is looking for a fight with any possible top opponent. He…

Chael Sonnen Khamzat Chimaev

Chael Sonnen has his opinion on the UFC welterweights who turn down a fight with Khamzat Chimaev.

Up and coming star Khamzat Chimaev has been quickly rising up the UFC welterweight ranks. He is looking for a fight with any possible top opponent. He has been calling them out on social media but has not gotten much response. Chael Sonnen has his ideas about the nature of the fight business and feels that perhaps Chimaev’s reputation is what’s keeping opponents from running to the cage against him.

“There’s a lot of ways to beat a guy, but if you can do it psychologically and you never have to get out there,” Sonnen explained on his Beyond the Fight show. “Dan Henderson had a great line one time, which is Dan was in a bar with somebody, and the guy said, ‘Hey, Dan. If I get in some trouble, you know, will you walk over there, beat this guy down for me?’ And Dan simply said, ‘Why do I need to beat him down when I can stare him down?’ And that rule of life doesn’t go away.”

Sonnen may be implying that Chimaev’s last few performances have been scaring away his opponents. Since coming to the UFC he has had four fights, all of which were finishes, two KO’s, and two submissions. In just one year, he has risen to number 11 in the rankings. Now, he is trying to call out opponents in the top five, which may be why he is not getting a response, however, Sonnen thinks he is doing the right thing.

“You can stare a guy down, and he backs down; it is the art of war because the great generals never fire a shot,” Sonnen said. “They don’t need to. They align their troops and make the other people retreat. And if Chimaev is successfully doing that – If less than 20 minutes of action, three double-legs, a rear-naked choke, and a left hook – If that’s going to scare an entire division away in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, then shame on them. Fair play by Chimaev.”

Sonnen was a big trash talker in his fighting days. He could almost defeat opponents before even facing them by getting in their heads. If he feels Chimaev is planning a similar sort of game plan, then he could be sitting on the sidelines for some time. However, in this day and age, money talks, and maybe the UFC will have to pay up to get a top welterweight to step in against “Borz.”

Who do you want to see take on Khamzat Chimaev next?

Continue Reading Sonnen: Shame On UFC Welterweights For Being Scared Of Chimaev at MMA News.