Most UFC fans were absolutely taken aback after witnessing the noted, Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant performance at UFC 279. ‘The Chechnyan native’ absolutely rag-dolled his opponent, Kevin Holland, to defeat him inside the opening stanza of the bout. Since then, ‘Borz’ has never taken the octagon, which has kept his fans in speculation. Further, Dana White’s revelation about him moving up to Middleweight created even more doubts about Chimaev’s next opponent. But, after an unlikely negotiation regarding a matchup with the former UFC Welterweight king, Kamaru Usman, Chimaev has now got another potential opponent.
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Recently, the famed UFC Middleweight and upcoming UFC on ESPN 46 main eventer Marvin Vettori revealed his openness to a bout against Chimaev. A number of UFC fans recognize Vettori for his never-back-down attitude. ‘The Italian’ showcased this side of himself once more as he appeared at the pre-event press conference of the upcoming UFC on ESPN 46.
Marvin Vettori would welcome Khamzat Chimaev but not as his first choice
Vettori gave out his take on a volley of other issues as well. Although Vettori stated that he would accept a bout with Chimaev, he also laid stress on the point that it would happen only on a single condition.
‘The Italian Dream’s’ words revealed that he was also hoping to receive a title shot if he managed to secure a victory in his upcoming bout. But, a reporter at the pre-UFC on ESPN 46 press conference questioned Vettori, “If you get past Jared this weekend, but you don’t get the title shot. Would you be the one to welcome Khamzat Chimaev to the division?”
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 10: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia prepares to fight Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight fight during the UFC 279 event at T-Mobile Arena on September 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
The ’29-year-old replied’, “I’ll always welcome him, everywhere. Like for sure. If he wants it, I’m here. I’ve never pulled out of any fight. So please, yeah, bring him too”.
However, a number of fans would agree that a victory at his next bout won’t be coming easy since Vettori would be facing the coveted, Jared Cannonier. The ’39-year-old’ is considered a fiercely strong puncher with victories over noted Middleweight like Sean Strickland as well.
But, even if Vettori manages to get the better of Cannonier, will the UFC boss, Dana White, grant him a shot at the UFC Middleweight gold?
A Middleweight title shot looks unlikely for Marvin Vettori
Most UFC fans would know that a virtual title shot eliminator between Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis has already been scheduled for UFC 290. Hence, it’s apparent that the victor of that bout will probably advance to take on the current UFC Middleweight king, Israel Adesanya.
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Amidst such a situation, it’s quite understandable that Vettori will probably have to wait more for a shot at ‘Izzy’s’ title. Also, the fans won’t probably be too wrong if they predict a Marvin Vettori vs Khamzat Chimaev bout coming up in the near future. Do you also agree that this might be an upcoming matchup in the UFC Middleweight division?
