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Khamzat Chimaev has been one of the brightest spots in the UFC this year. Making his debut in July, Chimaev submitted John Phillips at UFC Fight Island 1 and then turned around 10 days later to stop Rhys McKee with ground strikes at UFC Fight Island 3. The nature of his dominance, and his Russian heritage, immediately drew comparisons to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, but after knocking out Gerald Meerschaert in just 17 seconds at UFC Vegas 1 last month, Chimaev made it clear that he didn’t want to be compared to the lightweight champion, he wanted to be his own man. Well it appears that Nurmagomedov didn’t take any offense to that and is just as impressed with Chimaev as the rest of the MMA world.
Speaking at the UFC 254 Virtual Media Day, Nurmagomedov was asked his opinion on the UFC’s rising star and the lightweight champion was very complimentary of Chimaev, saying that he thinks Chimaev deserves a top-ranked opponent.
“I don’t know what the UFC is going to do with him, about his next opponent, but in my opinion, I think he deserves a top 10, top 15 (opponent),” Khabib said. “In my opinion, it’s top 10. He deserves a fight with someone very tough opponent, like five rounds. Then, after this one, he deserves a contender fight. This is my opinion.”
Chimaev was, in fact, supposed to have just that, actually. Heading into his fight with Meerschaert, Chimaev was also set to face sixth-ranked welterweight Demian Maia later this year. However, after his obliteration of Meerschaert, many fans questioned that matchmaking for Maia’s retirement fight. Now, instead, Dana White is targeting a five-round main event for Chimaev against a ranked opponent and Khabib thinks this is exactly what should happen for the budding star.
“Of course (I’m a believer in Chimaev). He finishes all his opponents,” Khabib said. “I think he deserves. . . Ali told me he’s gonna fight – because we have the same manager – Ali told me he’s gonna fight with tough opponent, five rounds in December. This is very interesting. Main event in the UFC, this is very good attention. Good opportunity for him and if he wins this fight, next fight I think he deserves next fight a contender fight.”
Chimaev is also of a similar mind, having called for fights with practically every big fighter at either welterweight and middleweight. A specific name has still not been announced but if Chimaev wins, he will only continue to add to an already historic 2020 campaign.
Khabib, meanwhile, has his own fight to be concerned about. He will defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 later this month, in Abu Dhabi.
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VIDEO STEW
What the Heck.
UFC 254 Media Day Livestream.
Holly Holm interview with Brendan Fitzgerald.
Top Five ONE Championship main events.
Khamzat Chimaev wrestling.
LISTEN UP
UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Carlos Condit and Germaine de Randamie.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
LPP has spoken.
You are the best light heavyweight in the world only if you play me in a UFC 4. https://t.co/2G8uADzF2N
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) October 1, 2020
These two.
12 years in the company but he’s been teasing a move up to heavy weight the last 7 years haha boi plz.
Is he ready for heavyweight now? Is he really?— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) October 1, 2020
So Eugene will let you fight stipe but not me
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 1, 2020
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard!
Damn right. pic.twitter.com/PhEXN38S6D— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) October 2, 2020
Just another reason why you would never beat me. No way my God would allow me to lose to a serpent like you https://t.co/QPeX4t29sD
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 2, 2020
Other beef.
Hey @JohnMakdessi your time ⏳ is running. You are 35 years OLD what you are waiting for ? No where to hide and . Let’s do this already @seanshelby @AliAbdelaziz00
— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) October 1, 2020
If you talk shit you need to back it up. @JohnMakdessi you lost your balls? Where is the FIGHTER in you ???
— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) October 1, 2020
that’s why you came to Montreal to Tristar and that’s why you were my warm up sparring partner and that’s why you pulled out of the fight when I got the contract. Send me a DM and let’s see where my balls are.
— John Wayne Makdessi (@JohnMakdessi) October 1, 2020
Soon to be farewell.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Paul Daley (@semtex170) on Oct 1, 2020 at 6:28am PDT
Torn ACL.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jessy Jess (@missjessyjess) on Oct 1, 2020 at 2:09pm PDT
Call out.
Let’s run it back @ufc pic.twitter.com/4dHaINIb0Z
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) October 1, 2020
Werdum has plans.
@ScottCoker is my old boss
We made history once and we will make again— Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) October 1, 2020
Back at it.
View this post on InstagramPara desespero de alguns, estou mais empenhado do que nunca !
A post shared by Paulo Costa (@borrachinhamma) on Oct 1, 2020 at 7:42am PDT
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Marcos Rogerio de Lima (17-6-1) vs. Alexander Romanov (12-0); UFC Fight Night, Nov. 7.
Philipe Lins (7-4) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (14-5); UFC Fight Night, Nov. 7.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks for reading and see y’all on Monday.
EXIT POLL
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