Khamzat Chimaev wants to go straight to the top.
Following a spectacular title defense from Israel Adesanya (20-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) against Paulo Costa on Saturday at UFC 253, Chimaev (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has set his sights on the middleweight champion.
Chimaev, who only made his UFC debut in July but has quickly become an octagon sensation, wants a piece of “The Last Stylebender” in what would be a matchup between two undefeated fighters. He called for it Sunday on social media (via Twitter):
Borz is ready for the hunt and grab what belongs to him. @stylebender
I am ready, make this happen @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby @mickmaynard2 pic.twitter.com/LnopDEYb8L
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) September 27, 2020
Borz is ready for the hunt and grab what belongs to him. @stylebender
I am ready, make this happen @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby @Mickmaynard2
Since making his debut, Chimaev has produced three victories, all by stoppage, in a span of 66 days. His most recent showing saw him knock out Gerald Meerschaert in just 17 seconds at UFC on ESPN+ 36 earlier this month, and afterward UFC president White praised Chimaev as “one of the most special fighters” he’s seen in his career.
White said following UFC 253 that the promotion was currently looking at a showdown with Stephen Thompson for Chimaev, but nothing was finalized. Adesanya is looking at Jared Cannonier for his third title defense if “The Killa Gorilla” can get past Robert Whittaker at UFC 254 in October.