Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

Jon Anik Shares Best Potential Matchups For Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis

The UFC middleweight division has changed a lot in the last couple of years. The turmoil that started after Anderson Silva finally lost the belt ended with Israel Adesanya unifying the title and defending it five times. Alex Pereira then fired through the ranks to take out Izzy at UFC 281 but “The Last Stylebender” […]

Continue Reading Jon Anik Shares Best Potential Matchups For Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis at MMA News.

The UFC middleweight division has changed a lot in the last couple of years. The turmoil that started after Anderson Silva finally lost the belt ended with Israel Adesanya unifying the title and defending it five times.

Alex Pereira then fired through the ranks to take out Izzy at UFC 281 but “The Last Stylebender” reclaimed his belt at UFC 287 with one of the most iconic knockouts of all time.

Just when it seemed like Adesanya would be champion for at least a couple more years, Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets of all time to become champ. He then lost the belt to Dricus Du Plessis, who’s already defended it once against Adesanya.

Amidst the unusual turbulence at the top ranks, here’s how the UFC middleweight division should operate according to Jon Anik…

Jon Anik Backs Sean Strickland As Next UFC Middleweight Title Contender While Suggesting Israel Adesanya vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Anik claimed the UFC middleweight division to be stronger than ever during an interview on the official The Schmo YouTube channel. When asked about who should fight for the title next, the play-by-play commentator named Strickland.

“I don’t think it’s hyperbolic or overstating it to suggest that the middleweight division, right now, has never been stronger. Right? Sean Strickland’s a worthy number-one contender. Nassourdine Imavov, on and on it could go!”

Anik backed his choice by recalling the times Strickland has stepped up for the UFC and citing his recent win over Paulo Costa and the extremely close decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis, the current champ. He also credited the former UFC middleweight kingpin for risking his top 5 ranking against Pereira in 2022.

“Well, in a straight meritocracy, I’m on record as promoting Sean Strickland because he has repeatedly stepped up for the promotion. Let us not forget he put his number four ranking on the line against Alex Pereira when nobody wanted to fight Poatan. He has stepped into main events against guys, he’s stepped into a five round fight against Paulo Costa. And he fought Dricus Du Plessis toe-to-toe. So in a straight meritocracy, if I’m the promoter, I lean Strickland.”

Although he’s no longer the champ, Adesanya is still likely the biggest draw in the division. So, when asked about the best matchup for his return, Anik named Chimaev who’s fighting Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. With that match, the former champ should be able to make the most of his star power and help elevate Chimaev’s popularity as well.

“I think if you’re Izzy, you just lay back in the cut and maybe it’s Khamzat. I mean that’s a fight that I think would have some appeal but Khamzat could be in a championship setting.”

Anik acknowledged that the match between Whittaker and Chimaev is bound to shake things up. The winner will likely have an undeniable claim to a title shot and it’ll be interesting to see whether Strickland will be overlooked in the process.

Continue Reading Jon Anik Shares Best Potential Matchups For Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev Hopes Donald Trump is Elected, Blaming Democrats For Visa Issues

Khamzat Chimaev Hopes Donald Trump is Elected, Blaming Democrats For Visa IssuesKhamzat Chimaev seems to think the Democrats are to blame for his lack of Stateside fights. After a fast…

Khamzat Chimaev Hopes Donald Trump is Elected, Blaming Democrats For Visa Issues

Khamzat Chimaev seems to think the Democrats are to blame for his lack of Stateside fights.

After a fast and furious start to his UFC career that saw him score three wins over the course of eight weeks, ‘Borz’ has barely averaged one fight per year since 2021 for a variety of reasons, most of them associated with his continued health problems.

Recently, Chimaev was scheduled to headline the promotion’s debut in Saudi Arabia on June 22 against Robert Whittaker but was forced to bow out after becoming “violently ill” with an undisclosed illness.

Khamzat Chimaev

Now, the undefeated Chechen star is expected back inside the Octagon on October 26 when the promotion heads back to Abu Dhabi for UFC 308 at Etihad Arena. Chimaev is once again slated to fight ‘The Reaper’ in what is being touted as a middleweight title eliminator, though ‘Borz’ isn’t entirely convinced that the UFC will make good on its promise.

“I don’t know we will see,” Chimaev told Alex Zubayraev. “They promise me a title eliminator every time… When I fought Gilbert Burns it was the No.1 contender fight. After the Kamaru Usman fight I didn’t get the title shot either. Now it’s the third time… Let’s see, hopefully” (h/t Sportskeeda).

Khamzat Chimaev

Chimaev isn’t entirely wrong in his statement, but if he’s truly looking for somebody to blame for his lack of title opportunities, he may want to take a look in the mirror. Chimaev has seen six previously scheduled matchups canceled over the last few years, at least four of them the result of his own illnesses or weight-cutting issues.

Another problem seems to be the fact that ‘Borz’ can’t get cleared to enter the United States due to his close relationship with Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov. However, Chimaev thinks much of that can be resolved should GOP nominee Donald Trump win the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5.

“As long as Donald Trump is not the president [of the United States] we can’t come back to the U.S. Maybe that’s the reason. Let’s not cover the truth. But I’m not upset. Whenever they let me fight I will fight. Whenever I get the belt let it be and even if I don’t get the belt I will still be the champion without the belt.”

Khamzat Chimaev moved to UAE in hopes of Resolving his travel dilemma

Earlier this year, Chimaev’s jiu-jitsu coach Alan Nascimento revealed that the fighter was in fact encountering difficulties entering the United States and has since moved to the United Arab Emirates to try and mitigate his travel-related issues.

“[Chimaev] just got a 10-year visa in Abu Dhabi and will apply for a type of passport here in the UAE, something like a citizenship, that could be used for travels,” Nascimento told MMA Fighting. “Many Russian athletes are suffering with that. Chechens, Dagestani, Russians in general. But I think things will start to flow for Chimaev soon, and for other athletes too.”

“Sports save lives. To see athletes, people that have never committed any crimes and are just trying to live life in a positive manner and serve as example for the next generations, to pay the price and be unable to work because of problems caused by other people, I don’t think it’s fair. I don’t think it’s right. People might condemn what I’m saying, but what does an athlete have to do with a war started by two people that have nothing to do with sports?”

Khamzat Chimaev

Dricus du Plessis reacts to Khamzat Chimaev barb: ‘Before you catch another cold’

Dricus du Plessis reacts to Khamzat Chimaev barb: 'Before you catch another cold'Undisputed middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis has added fuel to the fire of his rivalry with the unbeaten, Khamzat…

Dricus du Plessis reacts to Khamzat Chimaev barb: 'Before you catch another cold'

Undisputed middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis has added fuel to the fire of his rivalry with the unbeaten, Khamzat Chimaev ahead of his return at UFC 308 last month — urging him to not withdraw from an Abu Dhabi return — poking fun at his recent exit from a summer comeback.

du Plessis, the current undisputed middleweight champion, most recently headlined UFC 304 back in August in Perth, Australia — successfully defending his titleholder for the first time in a dominant, eventual fourth round rear-naked choke submission win over former two-time champion, Israel Adesanya.

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As for the undefeated, Chimaev, the Chechen-born challenger has been out of action since he co-headlined UFC 294 a year ago in the Middle East — narrowly retaining his unbeaten record in a contentious majority decision win over former undisputed welterweight gold holder, Kamaru Usman.

And booked to headline UFC Fight Night Riyadh back in June in Saudi Arabia, the unbeaten, Chimaev was ruled from a matchup with former middleweight kingpin, Robert Whittaker — with an apparent “violent” illness forcing the AllStars MMA staple from his premiere headliner in the promotion.

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Dricus du Plessis pokes fun at Khamzat Chimaev’s inactivity

However, now booked co-main event UFC 308 at the end of next month in a rescheduled five round clash with the above-mentioned, Whittaker, Chimaev was the subject of a barb from South African star, Dricus du Plessis — who mocked his recent inactivity.

Robert Whittaker - Khamzat Chimaev off, then back on as UFC 308 co-Main event fight

“Put on a shirt princess before you catch another cold,” Dricus du Plessis posted in response to a social media status from the above-mentioned, Khamzat Chimaev.

Expected to take on former champion, Sean Strickland in a title fight rematch next — du Plessis is also sure to have his sights firmly set on the outcome of next month’s title eliminator between Chimaev and the above-mentioned Whittaker — whom he stopped with a brutal knockout last year during International Fight Week.

After Repeated Hospitalizations, Khamzat Chimaev Returns to Old Coach for a Rest-Focused Training Approach

After Repeated Hospitalizations, Khamzat Chimaev Returns to Old Coach for a Rest-Focused Training ApproachAfter pulling out of multiple fights due to health-related issues, Khamzat Chimaev is reuniting with his original wrestling coach…

After Repeated Hospitalizations, Khamzat Chimaev Returns to Old Coach for a Rest-Focused Training Approach

After pulling out of multiple fights due to health-related issues, Khamzat Chimaev is reuniting with his original wrestling coach in an attempt to revamp his training regimen and avoid overworking himself.

Since 2020, ‘Borz’ has barely averaged one fight per year and has seen no less than six previously scheduled fights fall through for one reason or another. In June, Chimaev was scheduled to headline the promotion’s big debut in Saudi Arabia against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Less than two weeks before fight night, Chimaev bowed out after becoming “violently ill” with an undisclosed illness.

Khamzat Chimaev

Determined to make a change, the undefeated Chechen superstar revealed in a recent interview that he’s gone back to working with legendary wrestling coach Salim Noutsalkhanov to take a training approach that focuses more on recovery rather than depleting himself every time he steps inside the gym.

“The point is they now let me rest and recover properly,” Chimaev told Adam Zubayraev. “I used to go to the gym and train till I was done. But then I ended up in hospital. Like the last time when I was in hospital, three times in a row within three weeks. My immune system went down, I got sick.

“Now I use a better approach. I work with good coaches. Salim [Noutsalkhanov] raised a lot of world champions. He also trained Buvaisar Saitiev for the Beijing Olympics. With people like that, I’m going to take a big step forward.”

Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev (hopefully) returns to action at UFC 308

Khamzat Chimaev saw a fast and furious start to his UFC career, earning three wins in the span of eight weeks, but an especially bad bout with COVID-19 hindered his progress and even had him contemplating retirement at one point. Luckily, ‘Borz’ made a full recovery and has Li Jingliang, Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and Kamaru Usman.

Chimaev is scheduled to return to the Octagon on October 26 at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi where he will meet Robert Whittaker in a rescheduled showdown.

Khamzat Chimaev

Dana White has already confirmed that Sean Strickland will receive the next shot at reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, though it’s possible that an especially impressive showing from either fighter, more so Chimaev, could disrupt those plans and force ‘Tarzan’ to sit on the sidelines a bit longer.

Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev Reveals Major Training Change Ahead Of UFC 308 Return After Latest Illness

Khamzat Chimaev recently revealed that he’s made major adjustments to his training regimen to aid in his recovery from past illnesses, ensuring he’s in top form for his highly anticipated comeback next month. “Borz” is preparing to square off against former champion Robert Whittaker in a high-stakes, five-round co-main event at UFC 308 on October […]

Continue Reading Khamzat Chimaev Reveals Major Training Change Ahead Of UFC 308 Return After Latest Illness at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev recently revealed that he’s made major adjustments to his training regimen to aid in his recovery from past illnesses, ensuring he’s in top form for his highly anticipated comeback next month.

“Borz” is preparing to square off against former champion Robert Whittaker in a high-stakes, five-round co-main event at UFC 308 on October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The two fighters were originally slated to meet in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia this past June. However, just two weeks before the showdown, Chimaev was forced to pull out due to an unspecified illness. Ikram Aliskerov stepped in on short notice to save the headliner, only to get knocked out by “The Reaper” in under two minutes.

Once regarded as one of the most dangerous and active fighters on the UFC roster, Chimaev’s momentum has drastically slowed, with only two Octagon appearances since his hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 in April 2023.

Much of the 30-year-old Russian’s UFC career has been hampered by illness and recovery from injuries. However, with the looming challenge of Whittaker and the prospect of a potential middleweight title eliminator, Chimaev appears more determined than ever. He’s leaving no stone unturned, making significant changes to his training approach.

Chimaev Enlists His First Wrestling Coach For UFC 308 Comeback

During a recent appearance on the HUSTLE VLOG on Russian YouTuber Adam Zubayraev’s channel, Chimaev revealed that in light of his past health issues, he has brought back his first wrestling coach, Salim Noutsalkhanov, to guide his UFC 308 fight camp.

“The point is they now let me rest and recover properly. I used to go to the gym and just train till I was done,” Chimaev said. “Yes [I would train just to get exhausted] but then I ended up in the hospital like the last time when I was in the hospital three times in a row in the space of three weeks. My immune system went down, I got sick, and now I use a better approach.”

Chimaev further expressed strong confidence in Noutsalkhanov’s coaching abilities, emphasizing his experience in training legendary freestyle wrestlers such as Buvaisar Saitiev.

“I work with good coaches; Salim raised a lot of world champions; he also trained Buvaisar Saitiev for the Beijing Olympics with people like that. I am going to take a big step forward.”

[h/t Bloody Elbow]

Chimaev last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 294 in October 2023, where he took on former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a short-notice matchup. During the bout, “Borz” sustained a torn ligament in his hand.

Additionally, this past January, images of Chimaev’s swollen face made rounds on social media. The undefeated Chechen later revealed that he had been battling a serious infection that had spread through his upper body, ultimately leaving him requiring ventilator support.

Continue Reading Khamzat Chimaev Reveals Major Training Change Ahead Of UFC 308 Return After Latest Illness at MMA News.

Gay champ? Dricus du Plessis responds to Khamzat Chimaev

Gay champ? Dricus du Plessis responds to Khamzat ChimaevUndisputed UFC middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis has hit out at unbeaten challenger, Khamzat Chimaev — poking fun at…

Gay champ? Dricus du Plessis responds to Khamzat Chimaev

Undisputed UFC middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis has hit out at unbeaten challenger, Khamzat Chimaev — poking fun at his history of failed returns to the Octagon, after the Chechen referred to him as a “gay” titleholder on social media.

du Plessis, the current undisputed middleweight gold holder, most recently headlined UFC 305 last month in Perth, Australia — successfully defending his divisional crown for the first time.

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Laying waste to the returning former two-time middleweight titleholder, Israel Adesanya, Pretoria native, Dricus du Plessis managed to wrap up a fourth round win over the City Kickboxing star — courtesy of a rear-naked choke stoppage ‘Downunder.

And expected to return in a title fight rematch with number one ranked contender, Sean Strickland early in 2025, du Plessis reign is at stake according to unbeaten contender, Chimaev — who referred to him as “gay” — calling his sexual preference into question.

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We need to get that title back for the normal people, man,” Khamzat Chimaev said during an X Spaces session. “This gay champion have the belt now.”

Dricus du Plessis pokes fun at Khamzat Chimaev’s inactivity from the Octagon

Sidelined for a year by the time his return to action rolls around next month, undefeated challenger, Chimaev is slated to co-headline UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, taking on former champion, Robert Whittaker over the course of five rounds.

And ruled from a June comeback against the soon-to-be common-foe amid a reported “violent” illness, Chimaev was hit out at by South African champion, du Plessis, who urged him to just finally made good on a return to active competition.

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“You just focus on trying to make it to a fight, any fight!” Dricus du Plessis posted on X in response to Khamzat Chimaev.

In his most recent win, Chechen contender, Chimaev landed a controversial majority decision win against former champion and pound-for-pound number one, Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 back in October of last year in the Middle East.