UFC, Khamzat Chimaev
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Khamzat Chimaev is here. On Saturday, Chimaev finally did what so many thought he would do years ago and claimed UFC gold, dominating Dricus du Plessis with one of the most impressive title challenger performances in years.
Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in the summer of 2020, finishing his first three opponents in barely two months with thrashing performances. He continued to pile up gaudy numbers, and even after injuries, illnesses and other factors slowed his roll, he remained undefeated and eventually made it to a title fight at last Saturday's UFC 319.
Nate Diaz is not a fan of Khamzat Chimaev. Over the weekend, Chimaev became the UFC middleweight champion with a dominant win against Dricus Du Plessis.
Khamzat Chimaev brought his newly won UFC title back to Chechnya.
Chael Sonnen includes Bo Nickal in his list of desired opponents for new UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.
Chimaev’s strategy against Du Plessis has been criticized by some, but not many have gone as far the champ’s longtime enemy, Paulo Costa, with their reactions. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the Brazilian boldly claimed that Chimaev could “kill” MMA if he repeats the manner in which he won on August 16.
With fans and pundits expecting a period of dominance from the new middleweight champion, who – if anyone – can stop the Chimaev? And why might it be important that someone does?
Costa (15-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) says knowing he outlasted Olympic silver medalist wrestler Yoel Romero in his fifth UFC fight in 2019, he's confident that he'll have the strength to fend off Chimaev's wrestling.