Khamzat Chimaev is set to make his much-anticipated return at UFC 294. ‘Borz’ was originally set to face Paulo Costa in a highly anticipated matchup in the middleweight division. The two fighters were also engaged in a heated back and forth online during the build-up to the event. However, the fight was scrapped due to Paulo Costa’s revelations about a serious surgery just weeks before the event.

Now, Chimaev is looking to put his undefeated record on the line against Kamaru Usman. The former welterweight champion stepped in on short notice and will be moving up a weight class. However, Chimaev’s long hiatus from the sport has raised questions about his stock in the promotion. Former UFC middleweight contender, Chael Sonnen, raised some interesting points about Chimaev and what he needs to do to take his UFC career to new heights!

Chael Sonnen thinks the UFC and Dana White should have booked Khamzat Chimaev to fight sooner

Khamzat Chimaev last made an appearance inside the Octagon at UFC in September 2022. He was slated to take on Nate Diaz in the welterweight division. However, Chimaev missed weight before the fight and fought Kevin Holland instead. He won the bout in his trademark fashion, running through Holland by securing a submission win in the first round.

As he now prepares to take on Kamaru Usman at UFC 294, fans are left wondering if the hiatus will impact his performance in the cage. And according to Chael Sonnen, there was a huge blunder on the part of the UFC, and CEO Dana White, in marketing ‘Borz’ to the public.

Sonnen praised Khamzat Chimaev’s marketing strategy of staying active and switching weight classes. He believed it was a good move by stating, “Chimaev was staying busy, he was changing weight classes, he was fighting non-stop, he was almost the new Cowboy Cerrone…”

But he also believes that Chimaev was not booked to fight as frequently as he would have liked. He stated, “I think that somebody should have booked him a little bit more often. But I will tell you, good things come to those who wait.”

Sonnen expressed his excitement to see Chimaev at middleweight and emphasized the importance of establishing a weight class and ranking for him to become a contender, which is the current focus. Dana White has also stated that the bout will have title implications at middleweight for both men, which has added another layer of significance to this fight!

Chimaev and Usman are set for their high-stakes matchup

Dana White revealed what’s on the line for Chimaev vs Usman in a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. He stated, “(the winner) will get the next shot at the title, barring injuries and other things that can possibly happen”

The statement has raised the stakes for the fight for both men. Usman has faced back-to-back losses in his last two fights. He lost his title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 via a headkick in the final round. His attempt to regain his belt at UFC 286 also ended in disappointment as he lost via decision.

Read More: Khamzat Chimaev Too Fell Prey to Conor McGregor’s Vicious Trash Talk When the Irishman Threw Out an Ugly Reminder at the Undefeated Star

Chimaev, who hasn’t fought since 2022 will be looking to regain his dominant form once again. He is currently undefeated in the UFC and is on a 6-0 unbeaten streak. Fans will be looking to see if he can deal with the wrestling skills of Kamaru Usman and the experience the former champion will bring into this fight.

Do you think Kamaru Usman can become middleweight champion eventually or will Khamzat Chimaev add another win to his undefeated record? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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