Chimąev responds to Usman's phone call
Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, the undefeated top welterweight UFC contender from Sweden, has declared his next opponent as former 170-pound UFC champion Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman. In a recent development, Chimaev accepted Kamaru Usman's challenge on social media, setting the stage for a potential title eliminator bout.
Currently ranked No.4 in the UFC welterweight division, Chimaev boasts an impressive record of 12-0, with a six-fight win streak, five of which were finishes. Usman, on the other hand, holds the No.1 spot in the division with a record of 20-3.
The potential fight between Chimaev and Usman has not yet been officially announced, with no specific date or location confirmed. However, it could mark a significant milestone in the UFC welterweight division, given Usman's former reign as champion from 2019 to 2022, during which he successfully defended the title five times.
Interestingly, Usman lost the welterweight title to Leon Edwards via KO in the 5th round in August 2022. He then lost a rematch to Edwards via majority decision in March 2023. Usman has suggested that if Edwards keeps winning, they could have a fourth fight, potentially referring to a future title match.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Chimaev-Usman bout, Chimaev has been making waves in the UFC. He was reportedly set to face Paulo Costa at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21, but the fight did not materialise. Instead, Chimaev's next fight is against UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis on August 16, 2025, in Chicago at UFC 319.
Chimaev has disputed UFC President Dana White's statement that his extended layoff was due to personal issues. Regardless, the Swedish fighter is eager to prove himself against the best in the welterweight division, and a potential fight against Usman would certainly be a test of his skills and determination.
As the UFC community eagerly awaits official confirmation of the Chimaev-Usman bout, fans can look forward to a potential clash between two of the division's most formidable competitors. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
[1] Source: MMA Fighting (Link)
Khamzat Chimaev, looking to make a splash in the welterweight division, has set his sights on a mixed-martial-arts challenge against former UFC champion Kamaru Usman. If the bout materialises, this potential title eliminator could significantly impact the UFC's welterweight division, given Usman's previous reign and Chimaev's impressive, undefeated record in sports.
