Khabib Nurmagomedov asked if he's believes Khamzat Chimaev is the real deal

Former BRAVE CF contender Khamzat Chimaev has enjoyed an unparalleled debut through a standard three-fight contract. He has been hit just twice in his first three UFC fights, and both were in his first bout. And the number of shots it takes to win is decreasing, as the level of competition increases – Borz (Wolf) stopped his first opponent after 124 punches at middleweight, the second after 68 punches at welterweight, and the third opponent, back at middleweight, with just four punches.

The UFC booked Chimaev’s last fight, vs. Gerald Meerschaert, and simultaneously booked him to fight Demian Maia in October. However, after the dismantling of Meerschaert, the UFC plans to put Chimaev in a main event vs. a ranked opponent. There were early and obvious comparisons to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, but Borz says he’s not Khabib 2.0, he’s Khamzat 1.0.

UFC president Dana White says, I’ve been in this game my whole life, I’ve never seen anything like him. … This guy is one of the most special fighters I’ve ever seen, if not the most special guy that I’ve ever come across.

At the UFC 254 Virtual Media Day, Nurmagomedov was asked if he was a believes Chimaev is the real deal.

Of course, he replied. He finishes all his opponents. I think he deserves. . . [manager Ali Abdelaziz] told me he’s gonna fight – because we have the same manager – Ali told me he’s gonna fight with tough opponent, five rounds in December. This is very interesting. Main event in the UFC, this is very good attention. Good opportunity for him and if he wins this fight, next fight I think he deserves next fight a contender fight.

Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov puts his title on the line vs. interim champion Justin Geathje at UFC 254 on October 23, 2020 at the Flash Forum on Fight Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates