Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev Calls Out Nate Diaz After Win At UFC 267

Khamzat Chimaev put on a dominant display to dispatch of Li Jingliang at UFC 267 before immediately setting his sights on one of the biggest stars in MMA. Chimaev made the toughest test of his short career look easy as he picked up his Chinese opponent, slammed him to the mat, and dominated from top […]

Khamzat Chimaev put on a dominant display to dispatch of Li Jingliang at UFC 267 before immediately setting his sights on one of the biggest stars in MMA.

Chimaev made the toughest test of his short career look easy as he picked up his Chinese opponent, slammed him to the mat, and dominated from top position before finding a first-round submission win earlier tonight.

At the UFC 267 post-fight press conference, Chimaev called for a fight with Diaz who is currently on the lookout for his next opponent.

“Hey, Diaz, let’s go, brother,” Chimaev told reporters post-fight at UFC 267. “Let’s go. You gonna get some smoke, bro. Let’s see who is the real gangster.”

“Fight, fight, fight – I love this sh*t, bro,” Chimaev said. “Make money, and it makes me happy to do this for you guys.”

The undefeated prospect burst onto the scene in the summer of 2020, quickly racking up three UFC wins. However, since then Chimaev’s career has come to a standstill as he battled some particularly nasty complications related to contracting COVID-19.

After more than a year out of action, Chimaev is intent on remaining active after returning to action at UFC 267.

“Fight, fight, fight – I love this sh*t, bro,” Chimaev said. “Make money, and it makes me happy to do this for you guys.” (Transcribed by MMA Junkie)

Diaz hasn’t fought since dropping to a decision defeat against Leon Edwards at UFC 263 in June. The Stockton, California native was outgunned for large portions of the history-making five-round fight but almost sprung an upset in the dying embers of the bout. Diaz had ‘Rocky’ on wobbly legs in the final frame but was unable to capitalize fully before the round and fight came to an end.

Since then, it has been confirmed that Diaz has just one fight left on his current UFC contract. Dana White is currently trying to convince the fan favourite to stay but it appears Diaz could be tempted by lucrative options outside of MMA’s premier promotion.

Do you want to see Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz?

7 Takeaways From UFC 267: B?achowicz vs. Teixeira

UFC 267 featured two title fights that crowned a new interim champion in Petr Yan and a new light-heavyweight champion in Glover Teixeira. The return of Khamzat Chimaev did not disappoint, and one of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s proteges made his claim in th…

There was a lot to take away from UFC 267, here are some things that stood out.

Return to Fight Island

The UFC returns to the Etihad Arena at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It seems like it’s been a while since the UFC had to use the location, but as the fight business moves forward in this “new normal”, the location will likely become a regular part of the UFC’s operations for a while, especially with the vaccine mandate required for anyone coming into the U.S. and not everyone on the same page when it comes to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

All ESPN+

It’s still a pay per view but ESPN+ subscribers only had to pay their regular monthly fee and not a separate cost on top of their monthly subscription, like they normally do. This is likely due to the UFC mega card going on next weekend from Madison Square Garden that is UFC 268 and not to do UFC fans any favors. No one is going to buy two in a row.

Referee Vyacheslav Kiselev

Vyacheslav Kiselev Removed from Second Officiating Assignment at UFC 267

You know it’s bad when you’re pulled from your assignment during a live event. The sport is violent, so safety has to be paramount and with the news of fighters dying recently in combat sports, pulling him was definitely the right move. It may have taken away from the win that Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos got over Benoît St. Denis, but it’s best if the problem gets solved now rather than later.

He may have been sick but anyone that doubted Chimaev and the hype he has behind him got a reminder when he returned in this event. Kamaru Usman has to deal with Colby Covington next week, but if he is only going to beat him again, who else is there left for him to fight but a guy like Chimaev?

Petr Yan Captures Interim Title

UFC 267 results: Petr Yan claims interim title with unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen in instant classic - MMA Fighting

A five-round war ensued between Yan and Cory Sandhagen. Sandhagens’ reach advantage seemed troubling to Yan at the start but as he weathered the storm, his strategy of catching and returning fire would prove useful as he picked up the unanimous decision victory.

Islam Makhachev

The next great lightweight, it seems, is Makhachev, but there is always an asterisk next to the name of someone fighting someone that has any label like coming in on short notice. His original opponent was supposed to be Rafael dos Anjos but withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Dan Hooker. Hooker coming off a recent win and ranked at number six according to the UFC lightweight rankings made more sense for Makhachev than it did Hooker, but Hooker’s not a fan favorite because he turns down fights.

Still, the question of who is next always comes up after a win, and while Daniel Cormier thinks it should be Justin Gaethje, Gaethje has his own plans for UFC 268.

Give @MAKHACHEVMMA the title fight! I don’t even need to see who wins next week. This dude just killed it. Khabib said this was his MSG moment and boy did he not deliver. He’s gonna be the champ.
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 30, 2021

And New!!!

Yes, Yan won his interim bantamweight title but he is 28 years old and making his way in MMA. Dana White said in the post-fight press conference, “Glover Teixeira is and has been one of the toughest guys in the division.” So, to put in the time and get to this point at 42-years old, just after his birthday he accomplished what many thought he could not. What he does next, is up to him but for now, he proved that never giving up will always deliver.

Glover Teixeira believed in himself ? #UFC267 pic.twitter.com/GdY1ZiQSBN
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 30, 2021

There’s obviously more to take away from this event than what is listed here. With Teixeira now the king at light-heavyweight, does he defend or retire? Either would likely be fine for fans, and Yan holding the interim title, White confirmed it will be he and Aljamain Sterling for the undisputed title. UFC 268 goes down next week, so don’t get too cozy.

What did you take away from the event?

Continue Reading 7 Takeaways From UFC 267: B?achowicz vs. Teixeira at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev Submits Li Jingliang With Rear-Naked Choke – UFC 267 Highlights

Still undefeated, and most likely cracking the welterweight top-15 next week, Khamzat Chimaev has scored his fourth straight UFC victory — choking the #11 ranked contender, Li Jingliang unconscious with an opening round rear-naked choke on the main card of UFC 267. Immediately scooping Jingliang off his feet before slamming him to the Octagon canvas, […]

Immediately scooping Jingliang off his feet before slamming him to the Octagon canvas, Chimaev patiently controlled the welterweight contender on the ground, before slicing through from back position to take his back and rain down with a flurry of ground strikes from a postured position.

Khamzat Chimaev moves to 10-0 with submission win inside three minutes

Taking Jingliang’s back at the Octagon fence, Chimaev hand fought momentarily to secure his forearm beneath the neck of Jingliang — switching grips and eventually, choking arms before rendering Jingliang unconscious in a one-sided submission stoppage triumph.

Below, catch the highlights from Chimaev’s submission win over Jingliang.

Takedown off the rip for @KChimaev!

[ #UFC267 | Tune in LIVE on @ESPNPlus | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/IGkdGAQXQf

— UFC (@ufc) October 30, 2021

After Chimaev Threatens To ‘Eat Him, Li Jingliang Warns Of His Own Hunger

Li Jingliang is ready to prove to the world he is in his best shape.

The UFC 267 event on Saturday will be featuring an exciting welterweight matchup between Li Jingliang and Khamzat Chimaev. Both men are looking to make their way up the rankings …

Li Jingliang is ready to prove to the world he is in his best shape.

The UFC 267 event on Saturday will be featuring an exciting welterweight matchup between Li Jingliang and Khamzat Chimaev. Both men are looking to make their way up the rankings and closer to a title shot. Leading up to fight week most of the spotlight has been on Chimaev since he is returning from a long layoff, but Jingliang thinks his time is now and he is looking for the finish.

“My fight won’t go to a decision,” Jingliang told The South China Morning Post. “Leech is hungry.”

Jingliang has been in the UFC since 2014. In his time there he has racked up 10 wins. Most recently he defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio in January. At 33 years old Jingliang knows that he is in the best shape of his life.

“I have matured relatively later than other people and in China, there is a saying that a man only reaches his top after he turns 30,” Jingliang said. “So right now is my time to shine. From five years ago, I feel mentally, physically better for my experiences and with experience, there has been a big evolution.”

Jingliang will have his hands full with Chimaev who is undefeated in his nine professional fights so far. He burst on the UFC scene last year when he turned out three impressive finishes. Chimaev has yet to make it out of the second round in any fight he has been in. He also stated that he was coming in hungry and threatened to “eat” Jingliang on a recent episode of UFC Embedded.

This bout will be featured on the main card portion of UFC 267 which takes place in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 30. The card will be headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira.

Who do you think will feed at UFC 267, Li Jingliang or Khamzat Chimaev?

Continue Reading After Chimaev Threatens To ‘Eat Him, Li Jingliang Warns Of His Own Hunger at MMA News.

TGIFighting: UFC Super-Prospect Khamzat Chimaev Moves on from COVID Retirement

Welcome back to TGIFighting, where we talk to top fighters, preview the weekend’s combat sports action and make crotchety observations about the combat sports news of the day. Ready? Let’s proceed…

Chimaev Says He’s “Coming For” Usman Before The Champ Retires

Khamzat Chimaev hopes to be the one to dethrone UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman, and has promised that he’s “coming” for “The Nigerian Nightmare.” Chimaev will hope to begin his charge to title contention when he returns to action this weekend. After breaking onto the scene like very few have done before him, “Borz” established […]

Continue Reading Chimaev Says He’s “Coming For” Usman Before The Champ Retires at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev hopes to be the one to dethrone UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman, and has promised that he’s “coming” for “The Nigerian Nightmare.”

Chimaev will hope to begin his charge to title contention when he returns to action this weekend. After breaking onto the scene like very few have done before him, “Borz” established himself as a future star.

After a dominant debut against John Phillips on Fight Island last July, Chimaev returned to the Octagon just 10 days later, brutalizing Rhys McKee in a similar fashion to his first appearance. The quick turnaround marked a new record for the fastest consecutive wins in modern UFC history, with the official record still being held by Royce Gracie.

As if that wasn’t enough, Chimaev traveled to Las Vegas soon after and set another record. A vicious 17-second KO against Gerald Meerschaert earned the Chechen-born Swede his third straight Performance of the Night bonus, and set the record for the fastest three-fight win streak in the promotion’s history (66 days).

Chimaev Hopes To Become The Nigerian’s Nightmare

After a grueling battle with COVID-19, which saw the cancelation of multiple bookings with top welterweight contender Leon Edwards, Chimaev will finally be making his fourth walk to the UFC Octagon this Saturday at UFC 267. In the second fight of the event’s main card, “Borz” will face ranked contender Li Jingliang.

While he won’t be looking past the threat of “The Leech” until after the Abu Dhabi-held card, Chimaev is keeping a close eye on the 170-pound title scene. Whilst he’s competed at middleweight in the promotion before, the 27-year-old’s future appears to be at welterweight, which is why Chimaev believes his path will eventually go through dominant champion Kamaru Usman.

During a recent interview with UFC Arabia, the product of Stockholm’s Allstar Training Center was asked whether he hopes “The Nigerian Nightmare” will still be on the throne when he reaches title contention. Despite being sceptical of how much time the champ has left, Chimaev assured the welterweight king that he’s coming for him.

“I hope so. But how old is he? 35? Something like that? He doesn’t have so much time now. But I’m coming for him before he go.”

Despite having only fought unranked opposition in the UFC so far, a victory over Jingliang this weekend would see Chimaev move into the rankings and within touching distance of the top 10. A victory against another top opponent after that would likely place “Borz” close to a championship opportunity.

Given the contenders Usman has already fought and beaten, some of them twice, the fresh challenge of Chimaev could be favored by the promotion when booking a defense for “The Nigerian Nightmare,” should he still be in possession of the gold.

How do you think Khamzat Chimaev would fare against UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman?

Continue Reading Chimaev Says He’s “Coming For” Usman Before The Champ Retires at MMA News.