Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

Santiago Ponzinibbio offers to fight Khamzat Chimaev: “Hey UFC, I’m here.”

Santiago PonzinibbioUFC welterweight veteran Santiago Ponzinibbio has offered to step up and take on Khamzat Chimaev after the undefeated Chechen complained about the lack of willing opposition in the 170lb division. After an extremely successful 2022 campaign that saw Khamzat Chimaev pick up impressive wins over Kevin Holland and Gilbert Burns, ‘Borz’ has been vocal in […]

Santiago Ponzinibbio

UFC welterweight veteran Santiago Ponzinibbio has offered to step up and take on Khamzat Chimaev after the undefeated Chechen complained about the lack of willing opposition in the 170lb division.

After an extremely successful 2022 campaign that saw Khamzat Chimaev pick up impressive wins over Kevin Holland and Gilbert Burns, ‘Borz’ has been vocal in his hopes to return to action at UFC 285 in London. However, according to a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, four welterweights have already turned down fight offers, with no potential opponent is sight.

However, one man who is willing to take on the undefeated contender is Santiago Ponzinibbio. ‘The Argentine Dagger’ is coming off a brutal KO victory over Alex Morono at UFC 282, and has now put up his hand in hopes of a shot at Chimaev.

In a recent interview with Sherdog.com, Santiago Ponzinibbio stated:

“I thought he was going to fight Colby [Covington], and I was planning to ask UFC to put me as reserve fighter in case either one of them got hurt. Now that I know the fight hasn’t been finalized, it’s even better. Hey UFC, I’m here.”

Prior to the KO win over Morono, Ponzinibbio was going through somewhat of a rough patch, having lost back-to-back fights for the first time in his career. Both Geoff Neal and Michel Pereira picked up split decision wins over him, and despite the close nature of these fights, Ponzinibbio fell out of the top 15.

However, now that he is back to winning ways, ‘The Argentine Dagger’ is looking to build up some momentum once again.

“I never lost two fights in a row,” he said. “Personally I don’t think I lost to Neal or Pereira, but what counts is the red mark on your Sherdog [profile].”

“When I went to the third round against Morono and my trainer told me I was losing the first two rounds. I entered the third round planning on getting a finish, and that’s what I did, getting a knockout win.”

“I’ve won nine of my last 12 fights … I deserve to be back in the rankings, and I’ll prove that if the UFC gives me a fight against anyone who is ranked,” he ended with. (H/T Sherdog.com).

Would you like to see Santiago Ponzinibbio take on Khamzat Chimaev?

Teammate & Friend Gives Update On Khamzat Chimaev’s Future Plans, Says He Is Training With ‘Boxing National Team’ For Comeback

The last few years have been anything but plain sailing for Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC. Issues with fighting in the United States have made it harder for the UFC to book him fights but the much bigger problem has been his own health. “Borz” has been kept relatively inactive for a long time largely […]

Continue Reading Teammate & Friend Gives Update On Khamzat Chimaev’s Future Plans, Says He Is Training With ‘Boxing National Team’ For Comeback at MMA News.

The last few years have been anything but plain sailing for Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC.

Issues with fighting in the United States have made it harder for the UFC to book him fights but the much bigger problem has been his own health.

“Borz” has been kept relatively inactive for a long time largely due to his current condition which seems to have significantly impacted his progress in MMA.

All of this could have been put behind him in June when he was set to return against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.

A win over a top contender in Whittaker in Saudi Arabia will have finally put Chimaev back on track and where he should be – but this wasn’t to be as he was forced to withdraw from the fight a week out due to illness.

With the hopes of returning later this year at what will likely be UFC 307, there is still hope that he can return to form inside the Octagon.

Guram Kutateladze Says Khamzat Chimaev Is Back Training With October Return In Mind

Georgian lightweight contender Guram Kutateladze is a close friend and training partner of Chimaev’s at Allstars Training Center in Sweden.

During a recent interview with James Lynch for Sportskeeda MMA, he spoke about how Chimaev is progressing after overcoming the illness which led to Ikram Aliskerov taking his place last month.

Kutateladze had some promising and hopeful things to say about the middleweight contender’s current situation.

He believes that we will see him in Abu Dhabi in Octoberm which will be roughly one year on from his last appearance where he defeated Kamaru Usman via majority decision at UFC 294.

“It was unfortunate but again, we have to keep positive thoughts, positive mentality. He’s feeling better now. He’s been for a few weeks in Caucasian Mountains, breathing fresh air, mountain air and training there with his team. With his brothers and team and I think boxing national team too so hopefully, as he said himself, we gonna see him in Abu Dhabi in October and I’m sure 100% that he will be ready and as always, energized.”

Read also: Daniel Cormier Questions Why People ‘Discredit’ Sean Strickland As Number One Contender: ‘He Beat Costa Better Than Whittaker Did!’ 

Continue Reading Teammate & Friend Gives Update On Khamzat Chimaev’s Future Plans, Says He Is Training With ‘Boxing National Team’ For Comeback at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev eyes March return at UFC 285, claims ‘Nobody wants to fight’

Khamzat ChimaevUndefeated UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev appears to be searching for his next opponent – fruitlessly, however, as he eyes a return to active competition at UFC 285 next March in Las Vegas, Nevada. Improving to 12-0 back in September of this year, AllStars MMA staple, Chimaev turned in a dominant first round D’Arce choke […]

Khamzat Chimaev

Undefeated UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev appears to be searching for his next opponent – fruitlessly, however, as he eyes a return to active competition at UFC 285 next March in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Improving to 12-0 back in September of this year, AllStars MMA staple, Chimaev turned in a dominant first round D’Arce choke win over recent UFC Orlando headliner, Kevin Holland.

Chimaev was initially scheduled to fight Nate Diaz in the UFC 279 headliner, however, missed the welterweight non-title weight limit by a whopping seven and a half pounds, forcing a catchweight fight with Riverside striker, Holland.

Khamzat Chimaev mentions a potential future fight with middleweight king, Alex Pereira

Currently sitting at #3 in the official welterweight rankings, and likely a single win away from his first title siege under the banner of the UFC, Chechen-born finisher, Chimaev claimed he is unable to find a willing opponent to fight him at UFC 285 next March. 

“It doesn’t matter [if it’s 170 or 185], just need some opponent,” Khamzat Chimaev said during a video blog recently. “I’m tired to do it, the trash-talking. This is not my game. I am the next for the title, so – who are these guys gonna fight?”

“Alex Pereira, he has 6-1 record, he’s lost,” Khamzat Chimaev continued. “I’ve never lost in my life. And he lost to a sh*t guy – the guy isn’t in the UFC as well. UFC doesn’t want it, the guy don’t want it. What am I gonna do? I just wanna fight, give me somebody. If the guys run away from me, just give me somebody.” (Transcribed by MMA Mania) 

During his two-year Octagon tenure, Chimaev has managed to land an impressive 6-0 record, defeating John Philips, Rhys McKee, Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang, one-time welterweight title challenger, Gilbert Burns, and the above-mentioned, Holland. From 12 professional wins to boot, Chimaev holds six knockout victories and a further five submission stoppages.

Former UFC Champ Lays Down How Khamzat Chimaev Can Fight The Winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya Over Sean Strickland

Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the scene by winning two UFC fights in different weight divisions within 10 days. However, the hype train that began in 2020 has derailed a bit due to his inconsistency. Despite defeating credible opponents like Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns, “Borz” has yet to fight for the title at welterweight or […]

Continue Reading Former UFC Champ Lays Down How Khamzat Chimaev Can Fight The Winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya Over Sean Strickland at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the scene by winning two UFC fights in different weight divisions within 10 days. However, the hype train that began in 2020 has derailed a bit due to his inconsistency.

Despite defeating credible opponents like Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns, “Borz” has yet to fight for the title at welterweight or middleweight. He was scheduled to take on Robert Whittaker at UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia last month, and winning the bout would have most likely solidified his first title shot.

Unfortunately, illness once again struck the Chechen star, forcing him to withdraw on late notice. Despite that, though, Chimaev still recently called for a title shot upon his return.

Michael Bisping recently reviewed Chimaev’s career and dismissed any chances of a championship fight next. However, the former UFC champ did reveal the one way through which the prospect can fight the winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya.

Bisping Explains How Chimaev Can Pass Strickland, Whittaker For UFC Middleweight Title Shot

Bisping discussed Chimaev’s demands for a title shot upon his return on his official YouTube channel. Although “The Count” praised the Russian fighter for dominating Usman and being explosive in the Octagon, he highlighted that it isn’t enough for him to pass Whittaker and ex-middleweight king Sean Strickland in the title race.

Bisping also pointed out Chimaev’s inconsistency and how the UFC hasn’t been in proper touch with him. He fought four times in 2020 to gain a ton of hype in MMA circles but has only fought thrice since then. “Borz” has pulled out of bouts several times due to illness or other reasons, which has naturally hurt his brand.

“So, there’s no judgment against him for that, but the reality is for Khamzat Chimaev, the man doesn’t fight too frequently. Had one fight in 2023, two in 2022, and one in 2021. So, that’s an issue for the UFC and, certainly lately, he’s kind of been, I don’t want to say unreliable, but he’s pulled out a couple of times, okay?”

Having said that, the former UFC middleweight champ is certain that Chimaev is still one fight away from getting a chance at gold. At the numbered event in Abu Dhabi this October, Bisping believes he should aim to secure a rescheduled clash with the #3-ranked Whittaker.

Chimaev’s high-pace style slowed him down in the later rounds against Burns and Usman. For Bisping, a three-round battle with “Bobby Knuckles” at UFC 308 would be favorable because the Australian might have the edge in a five-round battle, as they were set for in Riyadh.

“The man is something special. Of course, the cardio issues as the fights get longer. That is the big question, can he do that over five rounds? But Robert Whittaker, if he fought in Abu Dhabi, that would only be three rounds. And that would actually help Khamzat Chimaev.”

“The Count” believes that a win over Whittaker would also allow Chimaev to pass Strickland for a title opportunity due to recency.

“Rebooking Robert ‘The Reaper’ Whittaker. The fight we all wanted to see, the fight that made sense, and the fight that would, I’ll be honest, set up the next number one contender. And that’s a shame for Sean Strickland.”

Continue Reading Former UFC Champ Lays Down How Khamzat Chimaev Can Fight The Winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya Over Sean Strickland at MMA News.

Fight of the Year – LowKickMMA 2022 Awards

Fight2022 delivered another fantastic year of fights for combat sports fans across the globe. New champions were crowned, upsets galore, and some simply beautiful displays of violence. Whether it was Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev’s brutal battle to get this year underway or Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira’s all-out war in the summer, there was […]

Fight

2022 delivered another fantastic year of fights for combat sports fans across the globe. New champions were crowned, upsets galore, and some simply beautiful displays of violence.

Whether it was Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev’s brutal battle to get this year underway or Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira’s all-out war in the summer, there was plenty of excitement to be had for fight fans in 2022.

Given that there was so much excitement to choose from, let us help narrow down some contenders on what the ‘Fight of the Year’ was as the staff here at LowKickMMA submitted their picks on what was 2022’s best contest.

Fight of the Year: Glover Teixeira vs Jiri Prochazka (6 Votes)

Glover Teixeira vs Jiri Prochazka was not only selected as the best fight of the year, but I would even go as far as to say it is one of the best fights I have seen of all time. A back-and-forth brawl that saw both men have their moments during the 25-minute affair.

A large portion of fans believed the aging Brazilian had a slim chance of retaining his title but that was far from the case during the matchup. Teixeira was leading on the scorecards heading into the fifth and final round until the Czech native, Jiri Prochazka, snatched a hail-mary submission to secure himself the light-heavyweight championship.

Arguably one of the best title fights of all time, and with some hope, we may see the two men run it back in the future provided Glover Teixeira can regain the light heavyweight strap at UFC 283.

Honorable Mentions for Fight of the Year

Gilbert Burns vs Khamzat Chimaev (4 Votes)

A close call for second place was taken by Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev. Opening betting odds would have had you believe that Chimaev was going to run through the former title challenger, and had you seen his previous performances since signing with the UFC the hype was understandable.

Both Burns and Chimaev left it all in the octagon, fifteen minutes of absolute carnage which saw the two men go blow for blow, both being hurt on numerous occasions, kept fans in attendance and those out home out of their seats the entire duration of the fight.

Ultimately it was Chimaev who had his hand raised come to the end of the contest but given just how talented both of these men truly are, do not be surprised if their paths cross once again in the future.

Calvin Kattar vs Giga Chikadze (1 Vote)

Giga Chikadze had begun an impressive run prior to facing Calvin Kattar, a seven-fight winning streak that included finishes over Cub Swanson and Edson Barboza made it somewhat understandable that on recent form, Chikadze opened as the favorite.

However, Kattar took this opportunity to remind the community exactly who he was after his last octagon appearance saw him being simply outclassed by Max Holloway. This time, Kattar did the outclassing. His illustrious movement and technical boxing were put to good use as he laid on the pressure against Chikadze over five rounds in a bout that could have been stopped the further it went. At that moment Kattar killed the hype that surrounded Chikadze and re-instated himself as a serious contender in the featherweight division.

Do you agree with our ‘Fight of the Year’ selections? Let us know in the comments below about any matchups we may have missed.

‘1 Canceled Fight & 1 Crypto Scam In 2024’ – Khamzat Chimaev Comes Under Fire From Fans After Calling For UFC Title Shot In Return Fight

Undefeated UFC star Khamzat Chimaev’s recent call for a championship opportunity didn’t go down well with many corners of the fanbase… It looks like a year will pass by between appearances inside the Octagon for Chimaev, whose plans for a quick rise toward UFC gold and title glory across multiple weight classes have taken hit […]

Continue Reading ‘1 Canceled Fight & 1 Crypto Scam In 2024’ – Khamzat Chimaev Comes Under Fire From Fans After Calling For UFC Title Shot In Return Fight at MMA News.

Undefeated UFC star Khamzat Chimaev’s recent call for a championship opportunity didn’t go down well with many corners of the fanbase…

It looks like a year will pass by between appearances inside the Octagon for Chimaev, whose plans for a quick rise toward UFC gold and title glory across multiple weight classes have taken hit after hit ever since his debut year.

“Borz” announced his arrival as one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory when he reeled off three wins in three months back in 2020. He’s since competed four times in almost four years, with health issues and reported visa trouble making fights few and far between.

The Chechen athlete most recently got the better of former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a short-notice middleweight scrap at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi last October. But his hopes for a possible shot at the belt were dashed when he required hand surgery and subsequently fell ill.

And when he was set to return in a high-profile contest opposite Robert Whittaker in last month’s Saudi Arabia main event, illness once again struck, forcing a late withdrawal.

Despite that, Chimaev seemingly doesn’t think his stock has taken much of a hit in the eyes of the brass, even going as far as to call for a title shot at this October’s Abu Dhabi-held UFC 308 pay-per-view.

MMA Fans React To Chimaev Staking Claim To UFC Title Shot: ‘If He Becomes Champ…Get That Interim Ready’

Having not competed in 2024 thus far and beaten none of the names currently inside the middleweight top 10, Chimaev unsurprisingly came under fire from plenty of fans for his championship demand.

Some made light of the recent crypto coin controversy involving the 13-0 fighter, while others highlighted his history of withdrawals and weight misses when placed in main event positions to suggest he can’t be trusted in a title matchup yet.

Continue Reading ‘1 Canceled Fight & 1 Crypto Scam In 2024’ – Khamzat Chimaev Comes Under Fire From Fans After Calling For UFC Title Shot In Return Fight at MMA News.