‘I am in MMA Muhammad Ali’- Khamzat Chimaev Compares Himself to Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali

Published 04/20/2021, 2:44 PM EDT

UFC’s rising star Khamzat Chimaev has been through some adversity lately as health issues regarding Coronavirus have impacted him.

Chimaev even retired from the UFC once; such was his level of frustration. But ‘Borz’ is now back on track and is hoping to find his way back to the Octagon by August.

However, many believe that he is planning a return to the octagon in haste. Chimaev was completely grounded due to COVID-19 and had to stop training altogether to prevent any further damage.

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But he is confident about his comeback and the Chechen also went on to draw comparisons with boxing greats like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali.

When asked if it’s a good idea to come back so soon, Chimaev replied, “Yeah, I think it’s right because I have been in the UFC only 3 fights. Like I didn’t show who I am.

“People still talk, ‘Oh he beat tough guys’. That make me inside somewhere like now I have to show to these people like who I am. Like to smash everybody, take my belt, and show to these guys who is the best in the world.

“I am in MMA Mike Tyson, I am in MMA Muhammad Ali. I’m gonna show it to everybody.”

It will be interesting to see who the UFC matches Chimaev up with upon his return. He was set to fight Leon Edwards before his health issues. So, one can expect ‘Borz’ to face an opponent of the same caliber.

Is Khamzat Chimaev right in his comparison with Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali?

There’s no denying the immense potential and talent that ‘Borz’ possesses. He has everything to be a future phenom. But he is only 3-fights into the UFC and has a long way to go.

One might argue he is yet to face the toughest competition inside the octagon. Therefore, comparing himself to legends like ‘Iron’ or Ali right now might be a bit far-fetched.

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His last performance against veteran Gerald Meerschaert was a statement from ‘Borz‘. He knocked out ‘GM3’ in 17 seconds. Whoever has to face this beast upon his return will have their hands full, to say the least.

What did you make of Khamzat Chimaev’s claims?

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Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters.

‘I am in MMA Muhammad Ali’- Khamzat Chimaev Compares Himself to Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali

Is Khamzat Chimaev right in his comparison with Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali?

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