Unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev could but to have even fought for divisional spoils in his Octagon tenure, nevertheless, that has not stopped the Chechen from branding himself the “king” at 185lbs — in a warning shot to present light-weight champion, Islam Makhachev a few divisional leap.
Chimaev, the present quantity three ranked contender, has been tipped to compete for gold in his return to motion later this yr, off the again of Dricus du Plessis’ profitable title protection over Sean Strickland of their championship rematch at UFC 312 over the course of final weekend.
Himself sidelined since final October, Chechen-born contender, Chimaev most not too long ago improved to 14-0 with a shocking first spherical face crank submission win over former undisputed champion, Robert Whittaker in his most high-profile promotional win as well.
Nevertheless, following his personal title battle success towards Renato Moicano at UFC 311 final month, pound-for-pound primary, Makhachev has set sights on gold as excessive because the welterweight restrict and even increased at middleweight.
Khamzat Chimaev warns Islam Makhachev towards middleweight transfer
Backed to take the title from Pretoria native, du Plessis in the event that they ever share the Octagon, Makhachev has been warned a few climb to 185lbs by compatriot, Chimaev — who claimed he’s the “king” at middleweight, at the least in the interim in his opinion.
“If he (Islam Makhachev) wants to [fight Dricus du Plessis], let him do it,” Khamzat Chimaev informed Purple Nook MMA. “If it’s du Plessis or not, Islam can battle anybody. It’s nearly his capabilities. I can battle anybody I need, as effectively.
“If Islam get’s his shot [at the middleweight title], let him fight for it,” Khamzat Chimaev continued. “If not, what can I say? I don’t think they [the UFC] will let him jump two weight divisions. He’d better fight at 170 [pounds], this is my opinion. As for 185 [pounds], I’m the king here for now.”
