UFC superstar Khamzat Chimaev has acquired his next target, and the 27-year-old Russian-born Swedish fighter is already looking past him. Chimaev believes he’s on his way to facing welterweight contender Neil Magny in August, and he already wants three more fights after that in two different weight classes.
At least Chimaev expressed rooting interest in Magny winning his fight over the weekendl Of course, that’s only so that the two UFC stars could meet later this summer.
He posted, “@NeilMagny Don’t lose on purpose Saturday so you don’t have to fight me August. @danawhite”.
@NeilMagny Don’t lose on purpose Saturday so you don’t have to fight me August. @danawhite
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) May 6, 2021
After Mangy defeated Geoff Neal by decision in a three-round contest at UFC Vegas 26 on Saturday, Chimaev declared Mangy would be his next opponent.
He posted, “@NeilMagny you’re fighting me next. Don’t run like chicken We will see who slaps who in the cage @danawhite”.
@NeilMagny you’re fighting me next. Don’t run like chicken We will see who slaps who in the cage @danawhite
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) May 9, 2021
According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Magny has already agreed to the summer showdown. After notching his big win on Saturday at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Magny told ESPN he was ready to derail the Chimaev train for good.
He said, “Yes. If he wants to come get an a** whipping this summer, let’s do it.”
I asked Neil Magny (@NeilMagny), is Khamzhat Chimaev (@KChimaev) a name that interests you?
"Yes. If he wants to come get an ass whipping this summer, let's do it."
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) May 9, 2021
But Chimaev has higher hopes than just getting his hands on Mangy.
In fact, Chimaev already seems to be looking past Mangy altogether and onto future dates against other possible opponents.
Chimaev also revealed via social media over the weekend that he plans on alternating fights across both divisions during his upcoming 2021 campaign.
Sure, he might have briefly retired earlier this year due to the lingering effects of an illness, but now “Borz” is feeling great again and he’s ready to fight in two different weight classes at the same time.
He posted, “I’m fighting in August 170 lb September 185 lb November 170 lb December 185 lb be ready…”.
I’m fighting in August 170 lb September 185 lb November 170 lb December 185 lb be ready إن شاء الله. @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 @seanshelby
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) May 9, 2021
And why not?
Chimaev already won fights in both divisions last year. He keeps calling for fights against all the superstars he can find in the UFC, and he has repeatedly said he wants to share the cage with UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya as soon as humanly possible.
With goals like that, he’ll need to be ranked in both divisions.
But Chimaev has also called out the likes of UFC superstars Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.
In short, he wants to fight everybody.
Chimaev enjoyed a breakout year in his first four UFC fights in 2020. He’s already become one of the biggest stars in the sport.
Now, all he needs are wins against top-level contenders like Magny to prove he deserves to move up the ladder for the megafights he craves.
READ NEXT: UFC’s Stacked Schedule Includes Champs and Superstars
Twitter: @Kelsey_McCarson
YouTube: Real Talk with Kelsey and Rachel
No comments:
Post a Comment