Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev growing frustrated with UFC over lack of fight offers: ‘The problem is definitely not with me’

Khamzat ChimaevKhamzat Chimaev appears to be growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of individuals willing to step up and fight him inside the Octagon. The undefeated Chechen monster stormed into the UFC in 2020, scoring three-straight finishes in eight weeks. Unfortunately, an especially difficult bout with COVID-19 kept him out of action for over a year, […]

Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev appears to be growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of individuals willing to step up and fight him inside the Octagon.

The undefeated Chechen monster stormed into the UFC in 2020, scoring three-straight finishes in eight weeks. Unfortunately, an especially difficult bout with COVID-19 kept him out of action for over a year, but Chimaev returned with a vengeance in October 2021, earning a fourth finish against Li Jingliang. Since then, Chimaev has only fought twice, earning notable wins over top-five welterweight contender Gilbert Burns and fan-favorite Kevin Holland.

Since showing up for his previously scheduled main event against Nate Diaz at UFC 279 eight pounds overweight, things have been up in the air as to whether or not Khamzat Chimaev would continue to compete in the welterweight division or move up to middleweight in an effort to mitigate the effects of his weight-cut to 170. During his time on the sidelines, many fans and fighters alike criticized Chimaev for refusing to accept fights. ‘Borz’ snapped back at those individuals on Twitter, suggesting that he is not the one turning down fights.

“I have no problems with fights, if they gave me a fight, I would have fought a long time ago, I did so many training camps and not one fight, the problem is definitely not with me, prepared in dubai then to thailand, why do I train so much if there is no fight, I don’t understand,” Chimaev tweeted.

Khamzat Chimaev Calls Out a Slew of the UFC’s Best

Khamzat Chimaev followed up that tweet with another saying, “if I want to fight 77 if I want to fight 84 I decide.” Chimaev then proceeded to tag a slew of fighters on the social media platform, suggesting he is more than willing to accept a fight with any of them willing to step up.

“I can fight with everyone I don’t care who @bullyb170 @USMAN84kg @stylebender @Leon_edwardsmma @ColbyCovMMA @robertwhittaker,” Chimaev wrote.

Khamzat Chimaev has been linked with all of the tagged fighters at one time or another. Recently, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman offered to fight Chimaev, suggesting the two compete in a catchweight contest. UFC President Dana White was not a fan of it being done at catchweight, but revealed that if ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ wants to make the move to middleweight, it is a fight he would certainly entertain.

With both fighters looking for a big win to stay relevant in the UFC title picture, the fight makes a lot of sense. Whether or not it gets booked remains to be seen. With the UFC scheduled for a return to Abu Dhabi in October, it’s possible the promotion may hold off on booking ‘Borz’ until then.

Who would you like to see Khamzat Chimaev square off with next?

Dana White explains Khamzat Chimaev’s continued UFC absence: ‘He’s got stuff going on in his personal life’

Khamzat Chimaev absence UFC he's got personal stuff going on in his lifeUFC president, Dana White has confirmed that streaking welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev is currently dealing with “stuff in his personal life” amid his continued absence from the Octagon.  Chimaev, the current #3 ranked welterweight contender, has been sidelined from active competition since September of last year, co-headlining UFC 279 in a one-sided first round submission […]

Khamzat Chimaev absence UFC he's got personal stuff going on in his life

UFC president, Dana White has confirmed that streaking welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev is currently dealing with “stuff in his personal life” amid his continued absence from the Octagon. 

Chimaev, the current #3 ranked welterweight contender, has been sidelined from active competition since September of last year, co-headlining UFC 279 in a one-sided first round submission win over Kevin Holland, securing a D’Arce choke victory.

The victory came as Chimaev’s second of the year, having previously landed a competitive unanimous decision win over incoming UFC 288 co-headliner, Gilbert Burns in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Khamzat Chimaev is expected to fight Paulo Costa at UFC 294 in October

Expected to make his Octagon return later this year at UFC 294 in October in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Chimaev’s continued absence has been questioned across the community, amid links to a fight against one-time title challenger, Paulo Costa at the middleweight limit. 

And according to the above-mentioned, White, personal issues with Chimaev have limited his options for an earlier return until the final quarter of this annum.

“That’s on him [Khamzat Chimaev[, though – he’s got stuff going on in his personal life,” Dana White said of Khamzat Chimaev’s continued absence during an interview with TSN reporter, Aaron Bronsteter. “That’s not because, you know, we’re not getting him a fight.”

“Obviously, you know how it goes here,” Dana White explained. “We talk about this all time, we have to get guys three fights a year. So, if we don’t get guys three fights a year, we have to pay ‘em. The only way that would happen, is it they have personal stuff going on.” 

Recently, former undisputed welterweight gold holder and former pound-for-pound number one, Kamaru Usman claimed he would be open to fighting Chimaev in his Octagon return later this year, with White confirming the Auchi native would need to move to the middleweight limit to make the fight possible, shooting down a catchweight affair. 

Ex-UFC champion Kamaru Usman urged to make middleweight move to secure Khamzat Chimaev fight

Kamaru Usman urged to make middleweight move to land Khamzat Chimaev fight UFCFormer undisputed UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has been urged to make a move to the promotion’s middleweight division if he is serious about potentially fighting the undefeated, Khamzat Chimaev in his Octagon return, with UFC president, Dana White shutting down the potential of a catchweight contest. Usman, the current #1 ranked welterweight contender under […]

Kamaru Usman urged to make middleweight move to land Khamzat Chimaev fight UFC

Former undisputed UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has been urged to make a move to the promotion’s middleweight division if he is serious about potentially fighting the undefeated, Khamzat Chimaev in his Octagon return, with UFC president, Dana White shutting down the potential of a catchweight contest.

Usman, the current #1 ranked welterweight contender under the banner of the uFC, most recently headlined UFC 286 back in March in London, England – dropping a majority decision loss to Leon Edwards in a championship trilogy rubber match with the Birmingham native.

As for the #3 ranked Chimaev, the AllStars MMA staple has been sidelined since he improved to 12-0 as a professional at UFC 279 back in September of last year with a first round D’Arce choke win over Kevin Holland.

Slated to make a middleweight division leap amid continued weight cuttting issues in recent Octagon walks, Chimaev has been earmarked to potentially fight one-time middleweight title challenger, Paulo Costa at UFC 294 in October in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Khamzat Chimaev received a call out from Kamaru Usman earlier this month

Furthermore, the Chechen-born contender has received a notable call-out from the above-mentioned, Usman, however, UFC leader, White insists he would only be interested in booking the bout if they agreed to fight at middleweight.

“What I hate about that fight and [Kamaru Usman] calling him [Khamzat Chimaev] out, Usman is calling him out at a catchweight – I don’t do catchweights, I don’t like catchweights,” Dana White said on The Jim Rome Show. “Catchweights mean nothing. They mean absolutely nothing.” 

“If [Kamaru Usman] wants to move up 185 [pounds] and fight [Khamzat Chimaev] we could talk about it,” Dana White explained. “But trying to fight him at a catchweight, I’m not interested in.” 

Successfully defending his welterweight title five separate times since assuming the throne back in 2019, Nigerian veteran, Usman had landed two wins over both Colby Covington, and Jorge Masvidal, as well as incoming UFC 288 co-headliner, Gilbert Burns. 

Khamzat Chimaev lays down challenge to former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou

Khamzat ChimaevUndefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev laid down an interesting challenge to former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ has been dominating headlines as of late as news of his imminent arrival in a new organization has caused rampant speculation among fans, analysts, and fighters alike. While no official announcement has been made, the rumor […]

Khamzat Chimaev

Undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev laid down an interesting challenge to former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

‘The Predator’ has been dominating headlines as of late as news of his imminent arrival in a new organization has caused rampant speculation among fans, analysts, and fighters alike. While no official announcement has been made, the rumor mill is heavily suggesting that Ngannou has signed with the Professional Fighters League in a deal that may leave the door open for the Cameroonian to explore other avenues of revenue outside of the Smart Cage. That could mean appearances inside the squared circle, or maybe even a high-profile grappling match if sometimes-middleweight-mostly-welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev gets his way.

‘Borz’ took to social media on Thursday, challenging Francis Ngannou to a grappling match. “Lets make grappling match @francis_ngannou,” Chimaev tweeted.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Khamzat Chimaev has mixed it up with another professional fighter in a non-striking battle. In 2021, ‘Borz’ earned a win over Jack Hermansson in a wrestling match under the Bulldog Fight banner.

Khamzat Chimaev May Have His Hands Full with Another Former UFC Champion

Khamzat Chimaev’s last appearance inside the Octagon came at UFC 279 in September where he earned his 12th-straight win by ragdolling fan-favorite Kevin Holland for a first-round submission. It’s possible we may not see ‘Borz’ return for another five months as the promotion makes plans for a return to Abu Dhabi in October. If former middleweight king Kamaru Usman gets his wish, he will be the man to welcome Chimaev back to the Octagon on his way to a fourth meeting with division rival and reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

“I think a fight with myself and Khamzat [Chimaev], boom,” Usman told ESPN MMA. “And if [Leon Edwards] keeps winning, I think that that’s a fourth fight for sure.”

It’s unclear whether or not Khamzat Chimaev will remain in the welterweight division after coming in nearly eight-pounds overweight for his previously scheduled main event matchup with Nate Diaz in September. UFC President Dana White is open to the idea of booking Usman vs. Chimaev, but believes it would be best done at middleweight, likely teeing up ‘Borz’ for a 185-pound title fight should he secure a win against ‘The Nigerian Nightmare.’

“If (Usman) wants to move up to 185 and fight (Chimaev), we could talk about it,” White said on The Jim Rome Show.

Khamzat Chimaev praises ‘Good fighter’ Kamaru Usman after ex-Champion offers to fight him in UFC return

Khamzat Chimaev praises 'good fighter' Kamaru Usman after offer to fight him in UFC returnUndefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev, has praised former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman – after the former undisputed titleholder offered to headline a pay-per-view event against him in his return to the Octagon. Chimaev, who boasts an impressive 12-0 professional record, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 279 back in September of last year, […]

Khamzat Chimaev praises 'good fighter' Kamaru Usman after offer to fight him in UFC return

Undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev, has praised former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman – after the former undisputed titleholder offered to headline a pay-per-view event against him in his return to the Octagon.

Chimaev, who boasts an impressive 12-0 professional record, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 279 back in September of last year, submitting Kevin Holland with a first round D’Arce choke in a co-main event slot.

As for Usman, the former undisputed welterweight champion most recently headlined UFC 286 back in March in London, England – suffering a majority decision loss to three-time opponent, Leon Edwards in the pair’s trilogy title rubber-match.

And recently confirming his plans to make a quickfire return to the Octagon off the back of his judging defeat to the Birmingham native, Usman offered to fight Chechen-born welterweight challenger, Chimaev in a pay-per-view main event in his comeback fight.

“A fight with myself and Khamzat (Chimaev)? Boom,” Kamaru Usman told ESPN. “I’m kind of in a place now where I’m having fun with it, and what’s the biggest, funnest, most intense fight that really makes me feel something? That’s a fight right now there. That could headline a pay-per-view.”

“He’s (Khamzat Chimaev) a fighter and I’m a fighter at the end of the day,” Kamaru Usman explained. “I fight these guys’ hearts, not their weight, I’ve been able to deal with middleweights and light heavyweights in the gym. And if he wants a shot at the welterweight strap, you kind of have to give it a little bit and show I can get down there and do it. But if it’s up a weight, potentially.” 

Khamzat Chimaev praises Kamaru Usman ahead of potential future fight

Sharing some appreciative words for Usman – a former pound-for-pound number one under the banner of the UFC, AllStars MMA staple, Khamzat Chimaev described the Auchi native as a “good fighter”.

During his Octagon tenure, which began back in July 2020, Chimaev has landed victories over John Philips, Rhys McKee, Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang, Gilbert Burns, and the above-mentioned, Holland to move to the #3 rank in the official welterweight pile. 

Ex-Champion Kamaru Usman offers to fight Khamzat Chimaev in UFC return ahead of title siege

Kamaru Usman offers to fight Khamzat Chimaev in UFC return before title siegeFormer undisputed UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has offered to compete against the undefeated #3 ranked division contender, Khamzat Chimaev in his Octagon return – before challenging three-time foe and current champion, Leon Edwards in a fourth fight. Usman, the current #1 ranked welterweight contender, most recently headlined UFC 286 back in March in London, […]

Kamaru Usman offers to fight Khamzat Chimaev in UFC return before title siege

Former undisputed UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has offered to compete against the undefeated #3 ranked division contender, Khamzat Chimaev in his Octagon return – before challenging three-time foe and current champion, Leon Edwards in a fourth fight.

Usman, the current #1 ranked welterweight contender, most recently headlined UFC 286 back in March in London, England, suffering a close, majority decision loss in his trilogy title rubber-match against Edwards.

The defeat came as just Octagon loss number two for former pound-for-pound number one, Usman, who had dropped a stunning fifth round high kick KO loss to Birmingham native, Edwards at UFC 278 in their championship rematch.

Kamaru Usman eyes timely return to the Octagon following UFC 286 loss

Recently providing an update on his fighting future, Auchi native, Usman confirmed that he was planning a quickfire return to the Octagon, claiming he had fallen back in love with the sport of mixed martial arts again.

“It’s almost like people were more upset that I lost than I was,” Kamaru Usman said. “People were destroyed. I know that I’m the best welterweight, for sure, in the division, I know that. But I’m just in the place where I’m loving the sport again, falling love with the sport again. I’ve been training now and I just feel stronger. I’m doing certain things, and I’m liking that process again… When I look back on my journey to becoming champion… it was the journey.”

“I’m loving the process right now, and I’m loving falling in love with the sport again – to where, for me, I might just wanna pop out in the next couple months and beat somebody up again,” Kamaru Usman explained. “I’m really starting to feel that. But it’s on my own terms, now.” 

And in terms of potential opponents for Usman, the Nigerian veteran openly offered to fight Chimaev in a title-eliminator before securing a fourth career fight against Edwards.

“I think a fight with myself and Khamzat [Chimaev], boom,” Kamaru Usman told ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto. “And if [Leon Edwards] keeps winning. I think that that’s a fought fight for sure [with Edwards].”