Khamzat Chimaev is undoubtedly one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC today, displaying an unblemished record of 14-0 in mixed martial arts and 8-0 in the UFC. His latest performance against former champion Robert Whittaker, which ended in a swift first-round submission via face crank, cemented his status as a formidable force within the middleweight division. The fight, co-headlined at UFC 308, showcased Chimaev’s grappling prowess and striking abilities, leaving fans and analysts alike in awe of his talents. Given this recent performance, Chimaev’s claim that he would effortlessly best current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis on the ground seems more than just a lofty aspiration; it comes backed by impressive showings inside the octagon.
Path to the Title
Chimaev’s desire for a title shot appears to be well-founded, especially after UFC CEO Dana White suggested that Du Plessis’ next fight would be against Sean Strickland. However, Chimaev is eager to position himself as the prime candidate for a championship opportunity. “It doesn’t matter Sean or Dricus, just going for the gold,” he asserted, developing a narrative that implies he is ready to seize his moment, regardless of his opponent. This mindset not only highlights Chimaev’s ambition but also underscores his determination to challenge for the title sooner rather than later.
When questioned regarding Du Plessis’ grappling skills, Chimaev’s response was both confident and dismissive. He pointed out that if Robert Whittaker could take down Du Plessis, then he certainly saw no challenge in achieving the same feat. Chimaev’s self-assured demeanor reflects the polarizing nature of his fighting style—where confidence merges with a strategic mindset, allowing him to dissect opponents’ abilities in real-time. The implications of such statements are profound; should Chimaev secure a title match against Du Plessis, it would become a battle between contrasting styles—Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach versus Du Plessis’ striking.
What sets Chimaev apart from his contemporaries is not just his skill set but his marketing prowess. He has already identified potential lucrative fights, calling out former champion Israel Adesanya should a title bout not materialize. Chimaev described a matchup with Adesanya as a “good money fight” thanks to Adesanya’s lofty reputation within the MMA community. This willingness to engage in high-profile bouts amplifies Chimaev’s marketability and ensures he remains a relevant figure in discussions regarding future title contenders.
The Future of Chimaev in the UFC
As the landscape of the UFC’s middleweight division continues to evolve, Khamzat Chimaev’s trajectory appears increasingly promising. With a perfect record and a drive that refuses to wane, the expectations surrounding him are nothing short of monumental. Fans eagerly anticipate whether he will get the title shot he covets or face off against other high-caliber opponents. Regardless of the path he takes, one thing is clear: Chimaev is not just here to compete; he aims to dominate, and the MMA world is undoubtedly watching.