After proving himself as a top welterweight with his hard-fought win against Gilbert Burns, number three-ranked Khamzat Chimaev seems to have his sights set on the middleweight division now. At least that’s what his coach, Andreas Michael believes. And considering Chimaev’s struggles to make 175 pounds, as was evident at UFC 279, this decision seems a natural one to come. While confirming that his ace student would be competing at 185, Michael also made an interesting statement on what he expects out of this move, which eventually left MMA fans wondering what exactly was up with the Chechen-born fighter.

As per the coach, he expects Chimaev to fight for the title or the number one contender at middleweight. This comes in spite of him not having fought any ranked opponent in the division, with his last fight at middleweight taking place on September 2020.

Michael wants Khamzat Chimaev to face the champ or the number one contender at middleweight

Speaking to Submission Radio, the Allstars Training Center head coach, confirmed that Chimaev would be fighting at middleweight next. While doing so, he emphasized that the fighter needed to progress, which he felt is possible only with a fight against top contenders. Michael stated, “We’re not just going to fight just for the fight’s sake. Things have to pave the way forward.”

He then further adds. “I think we need to get the top dogs right now or go for a title fight. The top dogs – like, the No. 1 contender or a title fight.”

Now, these words seem to have left MMA fans a bit dumbfounded. And considering the fact that he hasn’t fought in 185 since 2020, one cannot blame the fans for their reaction.

Fans react to coach’s statement on Chimaev’s next fight

Many fans on Reddit expressed their bewilderment at the statement made by Michael. Some felt that Chimaev was indecisive on which division he wanted to focus on, while others felt he did not deserve a top contender at 185.

One fan questioned why a fight wasn’t booked yet after so many discussions.

“I don’t get what’s happening with Khamzat. He’s been saying he wants to fight for months, he’s called out multiple top 5 guys, they’ve called him out, the matchups and timing all make sense, why isn’t a single fight booked?”

Quite a few wondered what exactly was going on with Chimaev.

“Seems like one minute they want to fight at welterweight the next at middle.”

“A lot do indecisiveness coming out or Khamzats camp I don’t think at the top level you can be so wishy washy and expect results. If Rob can handle a stone gollum he can probably handle a Khamzat that isn’t fully committed to MW.”

“This guy needs to make his mind up.”

Another fan criticized the fighter for not living up to his claims of fighting regularly.

“This dude does a lot of talking and not so much fighting for a guy who came into the scene proclaiming he wanted to fight everyone and every week.”

A couple of fans also believed that ‘Borz’ did not deserve a top contender at 185.

“Doesn’t deserve any of that at 185.”

“He’s 2-0 at middleweight against some bums and has the audacity to sit around waiting for the champ, these guys are so annoying.”

Read More: “I Think at Least He’s Going To Be…”- Shavkat Rakhmonov Has Surprising Prediction for Khamzat Chimaev’s 185lbs Ambitions

Since his fiasco at UFC 279, a move up to middleweight would have been quite natural for the 12-0 fighter. But the fact that Chimaev is ranked third at welterweight and now the demand for a top contender opponent at 185 is what seems to have left fans seeking answers.

What do you think of Chimaev’s scenario? Do you think he deserves a direct title shot at 185 pounds? Let us know in the comment section below.

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