Undefeated UFC middleweight phenomenon Khamzat Chimaev is eyeing the championship belt and is ready to make his mark at UFC 300 in April. Following his remarkable victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294, Chimaev is setting his sights higher, despite a brief hiatus due to a torn ligament and a subsequent lung infection. Now back in training in Dubai, the 29-year-old fighter is brimming with confidence and ready to step back into the octagon.
Reflecting on the recent title bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, Chimaev expressed his unimpressed stance, deeming the fight “nothing special” and confidently asserting his ability to overpower both fighters. Follow your favourite MMA team with attractive MMA betting odds from Nextbet.
“For me, Strickland won the fight, but it was a close fight. But [it was] nothing special. Nothing that made me think these guys are somebody. I see I can finish them both,” Chimaev remarked in an interview with ESPN.
Du Plessis, who secured the title by split decision in a fiercely competitive match, has been called out by former champion Israel Adesanya. However, Chimaev, with his undefeated streak and a string of impressive victories, believes he’s the rightful contender for the title. His frustration is palpable as he recounts UFC CEO Dana White’s earlier promise of a title shot post his win over Usman, a promise that now seems to hang in the balance.
Chimaev’s journey has been marked by noteworthy victories against top fighters like Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland. Yet, his path to a title shot has been fraught with challenges, including a missed weight incident for a highly anticipated fight against Nate Diaz and a potential matchup against Paulo Costa that fell through. Chimaev is clear about his readiness and eagerness to fight, attributing the delay in his next appearance to decisions beyond his control.
As UFC 300 looms on the horizon, the anticipation around Chimaev’s potential title fight intensifies. With a record that speaks volumes and a determination that’s hard to ignore, Chimaev’s quest for the middleweight title is not just a testament to his prowess inside the ring but also a narrative of resilience and unyielding ambition.
The UFC community and fans worldwide are keenly watching as this saga unfolds, waiting to see if Chimaev’s call for a title fight at UFC 300 will indeed materialize into a defining moment in his illustrious career. Get the latest updates from the world of MMA only on Nextbet Sports.
