Undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev, has praised former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman – after the previous undisputed titleholder provided to headline a pay-per-view occasion in opposition to him in his return to the Octagon.
Chimaev, who boasts a powerful 12-0 skilled document, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 279 again in September of final 12 months, submitting Kevin Holland with a primary spherical D’Arce choke in a co-main occasion slot.
As for Usman, the previous undisputed welterweight champion most just lately headlined UFC 286 again in March in London, England – struggling a majority resolution loss to three-time opponent, Leon Edwards within the pair’s trilogy title rubber-match.
And just lately confirming his plans to make a quickfire return to the Octagon off the again of his judging defeat to the Birmingham native, Usman offered to fight Chechen-born welterweight challenger, Chimaev in a pay-per-view main event in his comeback fight.
“A battle with myself and Khamzat (Chimaev)? Increase,” Kamaru Usman instructed ESPN. “I’m form of in a spot now the place I’m having enjoyable with it, and what’s the most important, funnest, most intense battle that basically makes me really feel one thing? That’s a battle proper now there. That would headline a pay-per-view.”
“He’s (Khamzat Chimaev) a fighter and I’m a fighter on the finish of the day,” Kamaru Usman defined. “I battle these guys’ hearts, not their weight, I’ve been in a position to take care of middleweights and light-weight heavyweights within the fitness center. And if he needs a shot on the welterweight strap, you form of have to offer it a little bit bit and present I can get down there and do it. But when it’s up a weight, doubtlessly.”
Khamzat Chimaev praises Kamaru Usman forward of potential future battle
Sharing some appreciative phrases for Usman – a former pound-for-pound primary beneath the banner of the UFC, AllStars MMA staple, Khamzat Chimaev described the Auchi native as a “good fighter”.
Throughout his Octagon tenure, which started again in July 2020, Chimaev has landed victories over John Philips, Rhys McKee, Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang, Gilbert Burns, and the above-mentioned, Holland to maneuver to the #3 rank within the official welterweight pile.
