Doubt cast by Josh Thompson on Hamzat Chimaev prior to UFC 319
Undisputed contender Hamzat Chimaev, affectionately known as "The Borz," is set to challenge Dricus du Plessis for the UFC's middleweight championship. Chimaev's meteoric rise in the division has been accompanied by a whirlwind of enthusiasm, with fans vocalizing the demand for a title shot following his first two appearances in the league. However, veteran MMA commentator Josh Thomson holds a different viewpoint; his observations, reported by We Want Picks, indicate some reservation.
Thomson questions whether Chimaev's hype may be unwarranted, considering his limited fight samples. His words suggest that we might be overestimating Chimaev, comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov not withstanding. Thomson queries whether Chimaev is truly on par with the UFC's best, or if du Plessis, the current champion, might present a formidable test.
Chimaev boasts an exceptional undefeated professional MMA record of 14 victories, eight of which were secured in the UFC. His upcoming bout against Dricus du Plessis will serve as the headline event of UFC 319, scheduled to take place in Chicago on August 17, 2025.
Though Chimaev's impressive winning streak and performances have fueled expectations of a dominant middleweight champion, not everyone shares this optimism. Thomson's skepticism is echoed by other quarters, who argue that Chimaev's hype might be premature. Moreover, external voices, such as a renowned coach from American Top Team, propose that fighters outside the UFC, like Johnny Eblen, a PFL middleweight star, could potentially surpass Chimaev and other top UFC middleweights, including du Plessis.
Performance-based rankings position Chimaev slightly behind du Plessis, the current champion, indicating that while Chimaev is elite, he has yet to establish himself as the unequivocal number one middleweight in the division.
As the highly anticipated title fight approaches, the hype surrounding Chimaev's rapid rise remains justified, given his impressive results against top-tier competition. However, it is essential to consider the cautious appraisals and skepticism that emerge from veterans like Thomson and external voices alike. Only time will tell whether Chimaev will live up to the expectations or be given a stern challenge by the current middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis.
Bookmakers might have sports bets on Hamzat Chimaev's upcoming title fight against Dricus du Plessis, given the high level of excitement and anticipation surrounding this UFC middleweight championship. Despite Chimaev's undefeated professional MMA record and exceptional performances, some question whether he's truly on par with the division's best, making for an intriguing sports wager.
