“NOBODY WANTS TO FIGHT” | WHO’S NEXT FOR CHIMAEV?

Stepping into the octagon to face Khamzat Chimaev isn’t for everyone. In fact, according to the man himself, it might not be for anyone.

Chimaev wants to fight in March, and with the UFC Welterweight belt on the line at UFC 286 in London, Khamzat would be an ideal back-up should either Leon Edwards or Kamaru Usman drop out. But it would be a waste not to give Chimaev a place on the card, after all, we can’t all be Alexander Volkanovski. 

The trouble is…“Nobody wants to fight.”

So who are the potential opponents running scared of the UFC’s new super-villain, and what match-up would make the most sense?

First of all, let’s rule a few names out. Edwards and Usman are of course already taken, whilst Gilbert Burns and Neil Many are fighting this weekend. Nate Diaz has gone and I simply refuse to allow the UFC to put Stephen Thompson in there with him. A bout with Shavkat Rakmonhov should be saved for the mega fight it could be in the future, besides, the Kazakh is facing Geoff Neal at UFC 285.

At Middleweight, where Khamzat will inevitably end up, an immediate title shot is out of the question, as Adesanya will almost definitely get an immediate rematch. Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze are already on the London card and Derek Brunson will face Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 285. 

So, who does that leave?

Colby Covington

After becoming one of the UFC’s bad guys, who better for Khamzat to face than another man we all love to hate, Colby Covington? Ranked #2 and #3 in the UFC Welterweight division, Colby and Khamzat are a match made in MMA heaven and the winner would be first in line for a shot at the title. The pre-fight back and forth between these two would be a spectacle in itself, and it’s a fight that tops a lot of lists for fights we want to see in 2023.

Belal Muhammad

Ranked #4 and coming off the back of an impressive win over Sean Brady, Belal Muhammad is close to earning himself a title shot. A win over Khamzat would undoubtedly secure him that, it just doesn’t feel like the fight to make. Stylistically, it’s an interesting match-up, especially with Belal having Dagestani coaching in his corner. It’s better than nothing, but it’s not a match-up that inspires the masses.

Jorge Masvidal

With a reputation for being ‘gamebred’, you’d think Jorge Masvidal would be open for a fight with Chimaev. But if he isn’t, who could blame him? Masvidal desperately needs a win, and preferably a run of them. Especially if a future fight with Leon Edwards is to ever happen. It’s difficult to see a route to victory for Jorge against Khamzat, with his wrestling being nowhere near the required level. A fight that takes place on the feet is what the world wants to see from Masvidal, and I pray we get to see him vs Stephen Thompson in 2023.

The Middleweights

Let’s not pretend that Khamzat has any business at Welterweight. His failure to make weight at UFC 279 was a testament to that. I expect him to get another chance at 170(lbs) but his future is almost certainly at Middleweight. Paulo Costa would be an amazing match-up, the pair already have beef and the pre-fight drama would be full of spice. Jared Cannonier and Robert Whittaker could also both be available. It does however seem unlikely that Khamzat will fight at 185(lbs) in his next outing, having done so much to climb the Welterweight rankings.

Honourable Mentions

Sean Brady, Vicente Luque, Jack Hermansson, Sean Strickland and Andre Muniz could all be realistic options, but it’s Colby Covington vs Khamzat Chimaev that the fans really want to see, either for 3-rounds in London or in a 5-round, Las Vegas, main event. Failing that, Belal Muhammad would be the most suitable Plan B.

Whoever it may be, whether they ‘want the fight’ or not, Khamzat’s next opponant will have good reason to be scared.