Khamzat Chimaev will be making his much-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Originally set to face Paulo Costa, Chimaev will now be facing former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman. UFC CEO, Dana White, confirmed that Costa has stepped out of the fight due to his revelations about an injury and surgery prior to the fight. Usman and Chimaev will be facing off in the middleweight division. And both men will be looking to take another step towards the title with this matchup!

Chimaev’s move up to the middleweight division was confirmed after he missed weight for a fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 279. This ‘miss’ led to him facing Kevin Holland in a catch-weight bout. He showcased his impressive grappling skills while securing a victory in the first round. Recently the internet has been abuzz due to a clip from his fight against Li Jingliang at UFC 267 resurfacing online. Chimaev, who dominated the fight, had a conversation with Dana White mid-fight! And what he said demonstrates why ‘Borz’ maintains an undefeated record in his MMA career!

Khamzat Chimaev talked to Dana White in the middle of his fight

The UFC had scheduled Khamzat Chimaev to face the seasoned fighter “The Leech”  Li Jingliang at UFC 267 in late October 2021. This marked a significant step up in competition for Chimaev, who was making his return to the cage after a prolonged absence due to complications arising from a battle with COVID-19.

“The Leech,” was known for his durability and powerful striking. He was determined to prove skeptics wrong as he was considered a substantial underdog. Khamzat, in his trademark fashion, was confident in his ability to ‘smash’ his opponent.

As per his usual style, Khamzat wasted no time pressuring “The Leech”. He avoided Jingliang’s strikes and executed a remarkable takedown. In classic Khamzat fashion, he hoisted “The Leech” and roughly dropped him right in front of  White, who sat cage-side. Khamzat seized the opportunity to address White directly. He declared, “Dana! Dana! Dana! I will come for everyone! I’m the king!

After securing a win via a rear naked choke in the first round, Chimaev once again walked to the side of the Octagon to address White again. This time, he stated, “ Dana, nobody is like me. I got 10 fights, 10 finishes! Give me somebody”

Chimaev was originally set to face Paulo Costa at UFC 294. But it was later reported that Costa had undergone surgery on his arm just weeks out from the event. Dana White later confirmed that Costa was indeed out of the matchup. And he later revealed Kamaru Usman as the replacement for the bout!

UFC 294 features Kamaru Usman’s shot at middleweight glory

Kamaru Usman seized the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 235 in 2019 when he defeated Tyron Woodley. He defended the title successfully five times until his defeat to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in 2022. In March at UFC 286, he faced Edwards again, resulting in another loss. He has now set his sights on another weight class to claim a championship in.

Usman stepped in as a substitute for Paulo Costa, who was initially set to face Chimaev but had undergone elbow surgery three weeks prior. Costa had initially planned to stay in the fight. UFC CEO Dana White made it clear that the winner of the co-main event at UFC 294, featuring Chimaev against Usman, will earn a title shot in the middleweight division.

Read More: Khamzat Chimaev Challenge Not Enough to Deter Kamaru Usman as Former Champ Drops a Truth Bomb on Title Shot

White stated on The Pat McAfee Show, “That is an absolute fact. The fact that these guys are taking this fight on short notice, (the winner) will get the next shot at the title barring injuries and other things that can possibly happen.”

In conclusion, Usman and his move up to the new weight class may lead to him becoming a UFC champion once more. However, he will have to face the surging Khamzat Chimaev who is aiming to deny him that opportunity.

Do you think Kamaru Usman has what it takes to stop ‘Borz’ and break his undefeated streak? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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