Khamzat Chimaev may have found his next opponent, and it’s the former title challenger Jared Cannonier. At #4 in the middleweight division, Cannonier is looking to test ‘Borz’ and welcome him to the 185-pound world’s elite rankings. But what challenges will Chimaev face?

Chimaev won his middleweight bout against Kamaru Usman and was promised a title shot by Dana White. However, with Dricus Du Plessis winning the middleweight belt a few weeks ago, nothing of certainty has transpired for the Chechen. Now, with Cannonier’s callout, will he accept the fight? If he does, here’s what this UFC veteran has to say about the difficulties he will face.

Will Khamzat Chimaev run out of gas?

Khamzat Chimaev is known for his extraordinary wrestling skills. Not many have seen him get too tired on the mat, and he ends many of his fights via brutal submissions early on. In fact, his toying with his opponents has been one of his key moves. But does that change with the weight class?

Chimaev is experienced but maybe not so much with middleweights. Hence, MMA veteran and former UFC middleweight champion, Michael Bisping is worried that Chimaev might just get tired in the cage with Jared Cannonier.“I would like to see him against Jared Cannonier,” said Bisping in a latest video on his YouTube channel.

“Because if he can’t take him down and he can’t fix this problem with the cardio then he’s going to have a real long-term problem going forward”. And Bisping isn’t wrong, Cannonier is one of the most formidable fighters in the division, and defeating Chimaev might just be his way to the title.

While Dricus Du Plessis has shown no interest in either of the two, it is very much possible for the fighter to earn a title shot given Israel Adesanya remains on the sidelines enjoying his much-needed break from the cage. But is ‘Borz’ really ready for the division?

Chimaev wants the belt, or he wants the money

Khamzat Chimaev is a man who gets straight to the point. He didn’t sugarcoat it when he said that he’d either go for the belt or be paid “double”. Double at Chimaev’s usual salary could mean over $2 million for a single fight. Not to mention pay-per-view points which could shoot the figure through the roof.

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He challenged Dricus Du Plessis as soon as the latter won the belt from Sean Strickland at the recent UFC 297 pay-per-view. As the belt was being put on Du Plessis’ waist, an X post appeared on the TV screen where Chimaev called out ‘Stillknocks’ for a title bout at UFC 300. So Cannonier wasn’t wrong when he said ‘Borz’ looked eager to fight someone in the division. But has he really considered how different it all can be? Perhaps, once he signs up for a fight, everybody will find out once and for all.

Also Read: UFC News: Khamzat Chimaev Plans to Ruin MW Division Plans With Major Update on UFC 300