Like many mainstream sports, the popularity of mixed martial arts hinges in no small part on superstars. Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev appears so far to be the next big middleweight and welterweight thing. The former BRAVE CF contender began fighting as an amateur in September of 2017, and went 3-0 before turning pro and going 2-0 on the regional scene in Sweden. He then signed with BRAVE and went 4-0, wrecking opponents globally, in Bahrain, India, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi. Then “Borz” (the nickname means wolf, Chechnya’s national animal) signed with the UFC.
Chimaev had a spectacular showing in his first two fights, setting a new record for back to back fights in the post-tournament incarnation of the sport, at just 10 days, dispatching both opponents in Round 1 and earning back-to-back performance bonuses, at middleweight and welterweight. Although both opponents (John Phillips and Rhys McKee) are good fighters, some fans still weren’t on board. Then the UFC matched Chimaev with middleweight Gerald Meerschaert, and “Borz” won in 17 seconds. In three fights, Chimaev set the record for the fastest three wins in league history, won three performance bonuses, and took just two punches.
UFC president Dana White said, “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.
Chimaev was originally slated to fight Demian Maia, but now White wants to put Chimaev in a main event in December, vs. a ranked opponent, but there are not a lot of takers, apparently.
https://twitter.com/KChimaev/status/1314693576844951553
Below is the UFC’s top 15 at welterweight. It is believed that Chimaev’s main focus, at least initially, will be at 170. Another spectacular win in that division could readily lead to a title shot.
1. Colby Covington
2. Gilbert Burns
3. Leon Edwards
4. Jorge Masvidal
5. Stephen Thompson
6. Demian Maia
7. Tyron Woodley
8. Michael Chiesa
9. Rafael Dos Anjos
10. Neil Magny
10. Vicente Luque
12. Geoff Neal
13. Nate Diaz
14. Anthony Pettis
15. Robbie Lawler
UG, who do you think Khamzat Chimaev should fight next?
