Khamzat Chimaev has not fought for a long while now, but the UFC has yet to officially announce his next opponent. Borz seems to believe that he will face Kamaru Usman in his next bout, and in anticipation of their potential matchup, the two fighters have recently engaged in a heated exchange of words.
Chimaev, who boasts an undefeated record in his six UFC fights, emerged victorious against Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland in the past year. The talented welterweight from Chechnya frequently claims that top-tier opponents deliberately evade him, but he has lately pursued an opportunity to face Kamaru Usman in the Octagon.
Khamzat Chimaev issues stern warning to Kamaru Usman
‘Borz’ recently reassured his fans about his determination to continue his journey in the Octagon, as he expressed in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel. According to the Chechen national, he is set to face The Nigerian Nightmare in UFC 294.
Khamzat Chimaev responds to Kamaru Usman’s comments about him over the weekend 👀#UFC290
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) July 9, 2023
However, the main hurdle to making this fight happen revolves around the weight division in which they will compete. Khamzat is requesting Usman to move up a weight class, while Usman is challenging Khamzat to get in shape and face him in the welterweight division.
“Kamaru Usman, why are you talking about me? You said you want to fight [at middleweight]. The weight [is] no problem for you. You are the boogeyman but I am the wolf. Come up.” Chimaev said.
Khamzat Chimaev fires back at Kamaru Usman, telling him to "come up" to 185 pounds 👀 pic.twitter.com/BNXS8pB7Mr
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 9, 2023
Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman trash-talking ahead of speculated bout
During a guest appearance at UFC 290, The Nigerian Nightmare, expressed his thoughts on the Khamzat Chimaev situation. The former welterweight champion revealed that he visited Dana White’s office and stated that if Khamzat is indeed a highly touted prospect in the welterweight division, he has no issues with facing him.
“You know, at the end of the day, I have been — and still am — the boogeyman of this division. I asked for the guy. If you want to fight — you want to be a champion — cut the f****** weight and come fight.” Kamaru said.
Kamaru Usman tells Khamzat Chimaev to "stop flirting" with him online 👀
"If you want to fight, cut the weight and let’s fight. If not, stop using me for clout." pic.twitter.com/21pF5tYbkQ
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 9, 2023
Usman remains firm in his stance of not moving up a weight class. Instead, he insists Khamzat should focus on cutting weight, practicing discipline, and then facing him in the welterweight division. Kamaru suggested that Khamzat is no longer interested in making the weight cut due to his financial stability and overall contentment with his current lifestyle.
“He don’t want to cut the weight. He wants to eat, and he wants to move the goalposts for him. No, [if] you want to be champion. This is the gold standard right here, cut the weight and let’s make it happen.”Kamaru added.
The highly-anticipated UFC 294 is set to happen on October 21, 2023, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Khamzat has expressed his readiness to train in Abu Dhabi and face any opponent that Dana White puts in front of him, even if it’s not the former welterweight champion.
Kamaru Usman says "logistical things" are to blame for him not fighting Khamzat Chimaev.
"I thought I was going to be fighting Khamzat too." pic.twitter.com/VovncRlssm
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 8, 2023
Who do you believe will win if Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev square off at UFC Abu Dhabi? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section
