Khamzat Chimaev unleashed his unfiltered thoughts on some of the biggest names in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
The undefeated Chechen monster has been sitting on the sidelines ever since his September thrashing of Kevin Holland in the UFC 279 co-main event. So far, no return date or opponent has been announced for Chimaev’s first appearance of 2023, but ‘Borz’ revealed in a video on his YouTube channel that he is already in Abu Dhabi preparing for his next matchup.
“We’re going to fight in Abu Dhabi so that’s what we’re waiting for. I’m already here in Dubai, living here,” Chimaev said. “Training camp. Everything is good. I’ve been in shape a long time. I’ve been in Thailand training camp. I’ve been here in training camp. I’ve been in Sweden training so, yeah. Just waiting for the opponent. Waiting for the contract so we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
The promotion is expected to make their return to Abu Dhabi in October for UFC 294 which is where Khamzat Chimaev will likely make his long-awaited return to the Octagon. Who steps inside the cage with him is still being determined, but if ‘Borz’ gets his wish, it will be against former welterweight world champion Kamaru Usman.
“Usman wants to fight. I make his last fight and he wants money. He knows where the money is. Everyone knows. Now I’m gonna fight this guy in Abu Dhabi and smash his face,” Chimaev continued. “Finish him then they have to give me that title shot. It’s no money fights anymore. It’s only me because you know Leon Edwards don’t give them that much money. If you fight with me, everyone knows it’s a money fight.”
The UFC are in talks to book Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman at 170 lbs for #UFC294 in Abu Dhabi
per Khamzat on his YT pic.twitter.com/SWHEg3eVHE
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 23, 2023
Khamzat Chimaev Baffled by Colby Covington Getting Next Welterweight Title Shot
Chimaev also touched on the hot-button topic of Colby Covington. The two-time title challenger is expected to get the next crack at Leon Edwards’ 170-pound crown despite going 2-2 in his last four bouts. ‘Borz’ was less than thrilled upon hearing the news.
“Leon has the title. He said he wants to fight, but I don’t know what UFC wants to do. They give Colby that chance. When he win his last fight? I don’t remember who he win again. Nobody. He’s a nobody. He wins against nobody. Usman broke his chin two times. He knocked out that guy. [Colby’s] sh*t and they gave that chance for him. Maybe because he’s from U.S.A. They want the belt for him.
“I’m from Sweden. I live in Dubai so maybe they don’t want to give the belt to me. That’s the only thing I see. I don’t know what else. Maybe they have good plans for me. I don’t know. I trust the guys so we’ll see.”
Also getting some of Chimaev’s attention was Paulo Costa, the outspoken one-time title challenger who recently signed a four-fight contract with the UFC reportedly worth upwards of $1 million per fight.
“Paulo has spoken a lot of sh*t about me. I want to smash him. I want to kill this guy. I was doing a lot of things and he goes to fight with other guy (Luke Rockhold) and the guy hadn’t fought for a long time. Three or four years ago.”
Costa is expected to return at UFC 291 on July 29 as he meets rising Russian contender Ikram Aliskerov.
“I think the guy (Ikram Aliskerov) will beat him. Paulo’s not good. He’s sh*t. Just talks to much and he beat nobody. Close fight against [Yoel] Romero. The only fighter he wins against.”
Needless to say, Khamat Chimaev does not hold a high opinion of his co-workers.
