When Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in 2020 with two remarkable fights in just 10 days. Fans were thrilled and anticipated
When Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in 2020 with two remarkable fights in just 10 days. Fans were thrilled and anticipated seeing more of this formidable fighting machine. However, since then, getting Chimaev booked for fights has become a challenge for matchmakers and he has only competed four times in total.
The rising star claims that many fighters have turned down offers to face him. This makes it difficult for matchmakers to secure opponents for him. One notable instance was his scheduled bout against Nate Diaz at UFC 279 in September 2022. It fell through due to a weight scale issue on Chimaev’s part. Kevin Holland stepped in on short notice for a catchweight bout and Chimaev went on to submit Holland in the first round.
This has been the last time we’ve seen him inside the Octagon. Leaving former UFC champ-champ Daniel Cormier puzzled. Cormier expressed his confusion on his YouTube channel wondering why Chimaev has not fought again since his victory over Holland.
The former champion believes there might be more to the story and is intrigued to dig deeper into the matter. Nonetheless, Chimaev is now scheduled to face Paulo Costa in a Middleweight bout at UFC 294 on October 21, 2023, in Abu Dhabi. The event will be headlined by a Lightweight championship rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira.
Cormier contends that if Chimaev manages to defeat Costa. Especially in an impressive manner that makes his opponent “cry,” he should be next in line for a title shot in the Middleweight division. He believes that such a victory over a tough contender like Costa would solidify Chimaev as the number one contender. Positioning him for a title opportunity against the likes of Israel Adesanya or Dricus Du Plessis.
The UFC’s Middleweight division is in a state of flux with Adesanya originally set to defend his title against Du Plessis at UFC 293 before an injury forced the latter out of the title fight. The promotion is now in talks with Sean Strickland to step in as a replacement. The stakes are high for Chimaev as he prepares to face Paulo Costa and make his case for a championship bout.
Costa too is no stranger to the title picture and a win over Chimaev could propel him back into contention. The fight between these two talented fighters promises to be a highly anticipated and exciting battle in the Middleweight division.
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