Undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev nonetheless has hope that he stands throughout from former undisputed division champion and former pound-for-pound primary, Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October – claiming he has but to be approached with one other combat for the Center East return but.
Chimaev, the present quantity 4 ranked welterweight contender, has been sidelined since he co-headlined UFC 279 again in September of final 12 months, submitting Kevin Holland with a primary roud D’Arce choke submission win.
The victory propelled Chimaev to 12-0 as an expert, following an in depth, unanimous choice win over one-time title challenger, Gilbert Burns in April of final 12 months.
Within the midst of a six-fight undefeated run since touchdown within the Octagon again in 2020, Chimaev has but to be booked for his return to energetic competitors later this 12 months, regardless of the very fact he seems earmarked to combat at UFC 294 in October in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
And the Chechen-born contender appeared to have discovered himself a prepared dance companion for the Etihad Enviornment card, with former welterweight champion, Usman providing to combat him following his trilogy rubber match title loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 286 in March.
Nevertheless, UFC president, Dana White initially shot down the pairing – insisting he wouldn’t put collectively a catchweight contest, which each fighters appeared to welcome.
Khamzat Chimaev discusses potential return in opposition to Kamaru Usman
And in accordance with Chimaev, a matchup with Auchi native, Usman seems to at least one he’s nonetheless chasing, insisting he has not been supplied one other bout by the UFC.
“We practice as ordinary right here in Stockholm,” Khamzat Chimaev informed Expressen throughout a current interview. “We have been in Dubai for coaching camp, however got here again now. Then, a month earlier than the match, we are going to go to Abu Dhabi. However in any other case, we practice as ordinary right here in Stockholm. We’re prepared for the match.”
“It may very well be (Kamaru) Usman, 90 p.c,” Khamzat Chimaev defined. “However he’s speaking about two kilos, he doesn’t wish to achieve two kilos. Dana White talks about 92 kilos – we’ll see. There was no different match. It’s simply him.” (H/T MMA Mania)
