Andreas Michael, the coach of Khamzat Chimaev, has caused a stir among fans and followers of the MMA community. In a recent interview, Michael claimed he wanted Chimaev, a predominantly welterweight fighter, to compete for the middleweight title. Fans were not happy with the statement and they shared their opinions online.

‘Borz’ already has an impressive record of nine wins and no losses. Because of this, he has gained a reputation as a dominant force in the octagon, with many fighters reportedly ‘ducking’ him owing to his impressive skills.

Thus, when he failed to make weight for UFC 279, people were shocked. He was on the card to face Nate Diaz for his UFC send-off. So the Russian-born fighter faced Kevin Holland and finished the fight quickly. However, it seems Chimaev has an eye on the middleweight title.

Coach Michael wants Khamzat Chimaev to fight for the middleweight title

UFC 281, saw the title swap hands between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira. Since Pereira dethroned ‘Izzy‘, grapplers in the division are dying to face ‘Poatan’. That is due to the evident weakness the middleweight champion has if the fight is fought on the ground.

Perhaps because of this Chimaev’s coach, Andreas Michael wants him to showcase his dominant grappling prowess against the Brazilian. He said, “Middleweight [is where I really want to see him next].“

“For the belt — I would like that. That’s an amazing fight [with Alex Pereira]. We can fight at [Welterweight] no problem. It’s no problem at all.” He further added.

Fans react to Chimaev heading to middleweight

However, fans and followers were not happy with Michael’s statement, with many taking to social media to express their discontent. Here’s what they had to say:

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A fan re-quotes Chimaev saying, “everyone’s ducking me”

One fan said: “Go beat a ranked fighter at 185 first. Or fight someone who isn’t taking you on short notice. Or fight someone who isn’t a former lightweight when you can barely make weight”

READ MORE- The Early Career of Khamzat Chimaev Before UFC and MMA

Some fan points out him missing the weight cut: “Miss weight by 15 pounds Show no remorse Win vs Kevin Holland Get title shot in middleweight ?????????? Is this what this sport has come to?”

Another fan said he thinks UFC will go for it: “I believe the UFC would book this if given the chance”

A fan demerits his middleweight title claims: “His last middleweight win was over 2 years ago against Gerald Meerschaert. How does that warrant a title shot?”

One fan has different ideas regarding ‘Borz’ next fight: “Anyone else think Khamzat should be the one to replace Costa at 284?”

Some fan was not happy: “Khamzat says everyone is ducking him, then his coach says some dumb sh*t like this”

Another fan made a hilarious remark: “Lmao who does he think he is? Its obvious the next title fight at middleweight going to paddy B pimblett”

Whilst one fan said: “Fu*k off, fight a contender”

“Unranked middleweight wants a title fight. OK.”

Only time will tell if Chimaev will get the opportunity to compete for the middleweight title. In the meantime, fans and followers will be sure to keep a close eye on the young fighter’s progress and cheer him on as he continues to make a name for himself in the world of MMA.

So, it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out and whether Chimaev will get the chance to compete for the middleweight title or not.

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