Khamzat Chimaev Returns to Action at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi Against Li Jingliang

UFC 267 will take place in Abu Dhabi as the UFC returns to Fight Island for its events once again. The UFC put on multiple events on Fight Island last year due to the pandemic. However, as the restrictions have eased in the United States, the promotion has hosted just one event at Abu Dhabi prior to UFC 267. 

To mark its return to Abu Dhabi, the UFC has put together a stacked card that features two title fights. Both the UFC’s bantamweight and light heavyweight titles will be on the line. The card also features a host of other interesting matchups that include the likes of Islam Makhachev, Magomed Ankalaev among others. 

It was rumored that Khamzat Chimaev would take on Li Jingliang at UFC 267. This fight has now officially been confirmed as the promotion posted the fight announcement on their Instagram page. 

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Khamzat Chimaev set to return to action at UFC 267 following a year away 

‘Borz’ burst onto the scene with a second-round submission win over John Phillips at welterweight. He then jumped up a weight class to take on Rhys McKee at 185-pounds. Chimaev won the fight via T/KO in the very first round. Chimaev’s last outing in the UFC was a 17-second knockout win over Gerald Meerschaert in September 2020. ‘Borz’ has since been out of action. 

Dana White had stated that Chimaev’s next fight in the UFC would be against a ranked opponent. ‘The Leech’ is currently ranked 11th in the UFC. He is 4-1 in his last five fights. In his most recent outing, he secured a first-round knockout win over Santiago Ponzinibbio. ‘The Leech’ is a proven finisher and has secured half of his wins via T/KO. The fight between the two will most likely not go the distance.

‘The Leech’ will be aiming to extend his win streak. Whereas, Chimaev will be aiming to establish himself as a legitimate contender in the division with a win over a ranked opponent in Jingliang. 

What do you make of the fight between Chimaev and Jingliang? Do you think Chimaev can secure the win? Let us know in the comments below!

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