The cat might be out of the bag as far as Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight is concerned.
Chimaev hasn’t fought since September 2022. “Borz” submitted Kevin Holland via D’Arce choke in the first round. A lot of mystery has been surrounding Chimaev since that time. More recently, UFC President Dana White claimed Khamzat Chimaev had personal issues. “Borz” has denied that claim.
Next Opponent For Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev’s coach, Azamat Dugulubgov, might have spilled the beans on his fighter’s next move. In an Instagram post, it appeared that Dugulubgov was studying a tape of Chimaev’s next opponent. One observant Twitter user noticed that even though he was scribbled over and his name was blocked in the video, Jared Cannonier seems to be the fighter being studied.
Its official! Jared Cannonier vs Khamzat Chimaev for UFC 294. I was able to find out the exact moment posted on the Instagram story of Jalin Turner's coach that is supposed to be Khamzats opponent. You can see for yourself, but everything aligns even the short-term sponsors. pic.twitter.com/2OEJakP8z0
— Victor (@frontkicked) July 9, 2023
“It’s official! Jared Cannonier vs Khamzat Chimaev for UFC 294. I was able to find out the exact moment posted on the Instagram story of Jalin Turner’s coach that is supposed to be Khamzat’s opponent. You can see for yourself, but everything aligns even the short-term sponsors.”
Chimaev vs. Cannonier is certainly not official at this time, but it’ll be interesting to see if this is indeed what the UFC has worked on. It’s also a matchup that Cannonier seemingly didn’t want. After defeating Marvin Vettori last month, Cannonier responded negatively when a reporter asked him about the potential matchup with Chimaev. Cannonier questioned how that bout would get him closer to another UFC Middleweight Championship bout.
If this bout does indeed take place next, it’ll be interesting to see if Cannonier gets any assurances, such as a title shot, with a victory. Cannonier made it quite clear that the chance for a UFC title opportunity was the only way he’d fight Chimaev at this stage in his career. Cannonier is 39 years old, and the clock is ticking on his hopes of getting UFC gold.
Jared Cannonier would be willing to fight Khamzat Chimaev after #UFCVegas75 – under one key condition.
Full interview: https://t.co/nTWzroV6tF pic.twitter.com/y54JjUMZ5r
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 18, 2023
