Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev Compares his Title Journey to Khabib Nurmagomedov: “It took him forever to get a title shot.”

Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib NurmagomedovKhamzat Chimaev compares his journey to UFC gold to that of all-time great Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ahead of UFC 308,…

Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khamzat Chimaev compares his journey to UFC gold to that of all-time great Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ahead of UFC 308, ‘Borz’ shared his insights into his upcoming bout against former champion Robert Whittaker and his world championship plans.

Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

‘The Eagle’ Khabib Nurmagomedov retired at a perfect 29-0 and was renowned for his dominance in the cage. In the UFC, the lightweight king had notable wins over fighters such as Rafael dos Anjos, Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, among others. Additionally, Nurmagomedov trained multiple titleholders including Islam Makhachev, Belal Muhammad, and Usman Nurmagomedov.

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The Dagestani Khabib Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut in 2012 but was unable to earn a title shot until 2018. The undefeated Khamzat Chimaev sees similarities from the Dagestani champion to his road to the title. ‘Borz’ made a huge impact in the UFC when he made his debut, quickly winning matches by KO/TKO. Later on, he struggled with various illnesses and weight issues that kept him inactive. But, with a win at UFC 308 against Robert Whittaker, Chimaev will likely earn a shot at the middleweight throne.

'Most important my family:' Khamzat Chimaev opens up about son’s health issues before UFC 308

In an interview with Daniel Cormier, Khamzat Chimaev explained:

“Yeah, like with Khabib — it took him forever to get a title shot. But I don’t mind; when I get the belt, people will call me the champ.”

The UFC middleweight championship is currently held by South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis. The division also has the former titleholder Sean Strickland hoping for another shot at gold. Khamzat Chimaev will need an impressive performance in Abu Dhabi to jump the line. On earning a title shot in this UFC 308 bout, Chimaev said:

“It should, but we’ll see.”

On his recent training, the middleweight fighter added:

“I go back sometimes to work with the coaches, but mostly I’m training where there are fewer people, so I can focus on my gym, my team, and my training. Yeah, they have good movements. But wrestling against the wall is tough for them. I like challenging myself, though—it makes me a better fighter.”

UFC 308 Fight Card: PPV Schedule, Odds and Predictions for Max Holloway vs. Topuria

It’s old guard vs. new guard in the featherweight division at UFC 308 with Ilia Topuria attempting his first title defense against Max Holloway in the main…

It’s old guard vs. new guard in the featherweight division at UFC 308 with Ilia Topuria attempting his first title defense against Max Holloway in the main…

UFC 308: Whittaker Anticipates All-Out ‘War’ With Chimaev

Robert Whittaker is promising to keep up with Khamzat Chimaev’s relentless intensity this Saturday night. Whittaker is gearing up to square off against Chimaev in a five-round middleweight clash, serving as the co-main event of UFC 308, which is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. View this post on […]

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Robert Whittaker is promising to keep up with Khamzat Chimaev’s relentless intensity this Saturday night.

Whittaker is gearing up to square off against Chimaev in a five-round middleweight clash, serving as the co-main event of UFC 308, which is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

“Borz” has exuded confidence in his ability to impose his relentless pace, seamlessly taking the fight to the mat and utilizing his wrestling and grappling prowess to wear down Whittaker right from the opening bell.

During the media day interaction for UFC 308 on Wednesday, “The Reaper” acknowledged that he anticipates Chimaev to come out firing on all cylinders. However, the former UFC champion emphasized that he has meticulously prepared to make the most of the full 25 minutes of their scheduled bout, aiming to take the undefeated Chechen into deep waters.

Whittaker also remarked that his experience would be a key asset in facing “Borz”, who will be stepping into a five-round fight for the first time. The Aussie asserted that he brings a unique challenge to the table, one that sets him apart from any opponent Chimaev has encountered before.

“The Reaper” is fresh off a first-round knockout victory over Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia in July. Whittaker is determined to deliver a statement performance at UFC 308 to re-establish himself in the title contention picture.

Whittaker and Chimaev were initially slated to headline the Saudi Arabia event, but just days before the fight, “Borz” was forced to withdraw due to significant health complications.

Chimaev was last seen in action at UFC 294 in October 2023, where he earned a hard-fought majority decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

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UFC 308 Results & Highlights: Ilia Topuria KOs Max Holloway

UFC 308 took place tonight from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights!  In the main event, Ilia Topuria put his featherweight title on the line against former champ Max Holloway. While in the co-main event, Robert Whittaker took on Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight matchup.  […]

Continue Reading UFC 308 Results & Highlights: Ilia Topuria KOs Max Holloway at MMA News.

UFC 308 took place tonight from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

In the main event, Ilia Topuria put his featherweight title on the line against former champ Max Holloway. While in the co-main event, Robert Whittaker took on Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight matchup. 

UFC 308 Results: Main Card:

  • Featherweight Championship Main Event: Ilia Topuria def. Max Holloway via KO: R3, 1.34 
  • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker via submission: R1, 3.34  
  • Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Raki? via unanimous decision (29-28×3) 
  • Featherweight: Lerone Murphy def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28×3) 
  • Middleweight: Sharabutdin Magomedov def. Armen Petrosyan via KO: R2, 4.52  

Preliminary Card:  

  • Light Heavyweight: Ibo Aslan def. Raffael Cerqueira via TKO (punches): R1, 0:51
  • Welterweight: Geoff Neal def. Rafael dos Anjos via TKO (injury): R1, 1:30
  • Catchweight (160lbs): Mateusz R?becki def. Myktybek Orolbai via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Middleweight: Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira via submission (arm-triangle choke): R3, 3:14
  • Heavyweight: Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Chris Barnett via TKO (punches): R1, 4:27
  • Featherweight: Farid Basharat def. Victor Hugo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Middleweight: Ismail Naurdiev def. Bruno Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Welterweight: Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Carlos Leal via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Main Card Highlights

Sharabutdin Magomedov def. Armen Petrosyan

Sharabutdin Magomedov continued his rise through the UFC middleweight ranks with a KO of Armen Petrosyan in the second round.

Lerone Murphy def. Dan Ige

In this featherweight bout, Lerone Murphy got it done on the scorecards against Dan Ige.

Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Raki?

Magomed Ankalaev earned a unanimous decision win against Aleksandar Raki? in their light heavyweight bout.

Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker

In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev got it done in the first round with a submission of Robert Whittaker.

Preliminary Card Highlights  

Rinat Fakhretdinov Def. Carlos Leal

Kennedy Nzechukwu Def. Chris Barnett

Abus Magomedov Def. Brunno Ferreira

Mateusz R?becki Def. Myktybek Orolbai

Geoff Neal Def. Rafael dos Anjos

Ibo Aslan Def. Raffael Cerqueira

Ilia Topuria def. Max Holloway

In the main event, Ilia Topuria retained his featherweight belt with a KO of Max Holloway in round three.

Continue Reading UFC 308 Results & Highlights: Ilia Topuria KOs Max Holloway at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev Reveals He’s Outearning UFC Champions Ahead of Whittaker Showdown

Khamzat Chimaev Reveals He's Outearning UFC Champions Ahead of Whittaker ShowdownKhamzat Chimaev claims that he’s bringing home a bigger bag than most UFC champions these days. After a year-long…

Khamzat Chimaev Reveals He's Outearning UFC Champions Ahead of Whittaker Showdown

Khamzat Chimaev claims that he’s bringing home a bigger bag than most UFC champions these days.

After a year-long layoff, ‘Borz’ will return to the Octagon on Saturday for a high-stakes showdown with former middleweight titleholder Robert Whittaker.

Khamzat Chimaev

The winner will likely emerge as the next man in line for a shot at the division’s top prize, currently held by South African sensation Dricus Du Plessis.

But even before earning his first shot at UFC gold, Chimaev says he’s already being paid like a champion.

“I’m happy with the money,” Chimaev said at Wednesday’s UFC 308 media day. “I’m making more money than any champions. Money is not changing (me). People will be the same. I’m staying humble as I was before” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Khamzat Chimaev plans to impose his will against Robert whittaker

Chimaev goes into UFC 308 with an unbeaten record of 13-0, seven of those wins coming inside the Octagon. Around this same time last year, ‘Borz’ scored a majority decision victory over ex-champion Kamaru Usman in Abu Dhabi.

Khamzat Chimaev

As for how he sees things playing out against ‘The Reaper,’ Chiamev is confident that he’ll be able to impose his will and put Whittaker on the mat, just as he did against Usman.

Khamzat Chimaev

“Who did stop my takedowns?” Chimaev said. “Nobody. I don’t think this guy will be different. Kamaru Usman, he’s a great champion, and he took down everyone. But, I took him down, I dominated him in the rounds, easy. What’s going to be different with Taekwondo or karate guy?”

Whittaker, on the other hand, has won three of his last four, including back-to-back Ws against Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov. He was originally scheduled to meet Chimaev at UFC Saudi Arabia in June, but ‘Borz’ bowed out of the bout after becoming violently ill days away from fight night.

“He knows how to lose, we don’t know, so I’m ready for victory,” Chimaev said of Whittaker.

UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Ceremonial Weigh-In Faceoffs

UFC 308 takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins! The upcoming pay-per-view event at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates provides a chance for UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria to further enhance his legacy on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. After […]

Continue Reading UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Ceremonial Weigh-In Faceoffs at MMA News.

UFC 308 takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

The upcoming pay-per-view event at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates provides a chance for UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria to further enhance his legacy on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

After capturing the gold this past February by brutally knocking out the previously long-reigning Alexander Volkanovski, “El Matador” is next tasked with stalling Max Holloway’s ambitions of a return to the 145-pound mountaintop.

The stakes will also be high in the co-main event, which will see former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker look to secure another shot at regaining the crown by blemishing the currently perfect professional record of Khamzat Chimaev.

Elsewhere on the UFC 308 card, Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Raki? do battle for a potential shot at Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight title, Dan Ige becomes the latest threat to Lerone Murphy’s ‘O’, and middleweight prospect Shara Magomedov looks to impress once again.

Ahead of the event, all 26 fighters successfully made weight but two bouts did undergo late adjustments. Nevertheless, every fight has remained intact, and all that remained on Friday was for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC 308 ceremonial weigh-ins!

Check out a replay via the official UFC YouTube channel below, followed by all the highlights.

UFC 308 Ceremonial Weigh-In Full Stream

UFC 308 Ceremonial Weigh-In Faceoffs

Continue Reading UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Ceremonial Weigh-In Faceoffs at MMA News.