UFC’s current 11th-ranked middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev, had to pull out of his highly anticipated UFC Saudi Arabia fight against former UFC middleweight Robert Whittaker last month due to illness, which has impacted his career. However, eager to return, “Borz’ recently shocked everyone in an interview by revealing his intention to target UFC 308, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on October 26th, for a title shot.

This interview has caught the attention of a UFC veteran who questions Chimaev’s call-out. He further analyzed the Chechen’s asking for a title fight against current UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who is preparing to face Israel Adesanya next month.

Is Khamzat Chimaev’s request to fight at UFC 308 valid?

Former UFC champion and commentator Daniel Cormier addressed the possibility of Khamzat Chimaev fighting for the title at UUFC 308 on his recent youTube channel. While Cormier didn’t question Chimaev’s participation at UFC 308, as he did raise concerns about him fighting for the championship right away.” He has options, you know?” Cormier said.” He’s undeniably one of the brightest young stars in the UFC. But rememeber, he wants to return in October.”

Daniel Cormier also highlighted Khamzat Chimaev’s potential to draw a strong crowd in the Middle East. However, Cormier threw cold water on Chimaev’s immediate title shot aspirations. He pointed out that the current champion, Dricus du Plessis, has a fight booked for August. According to Cormier, expecting Du Plessis to fight again in October after a grueling August bout is simpley unrealistic.

“I think him asking for a title fight isn’t crazy,” Cormier explained,”Him asking for a title fight in October is actually crazy. Dricus Du Plessis fought in January. They offered him a fight at UFC 300 for more money, and he couldn’t do it because he was injured. How in the world do we expect him to fight in August and then fight in October?”

Cormier isn’t alone in his skepticism about a middleweight title fight in October. Former champion Michael Bisping, voicing his opinion on his YouTube channel, agrees with Cormier’s assessment but offers a different prespective on the situation.

Michael Bisping believes in Chimaev’s plan

The return of Khamzat Chimaev was exciting news for after his illness sdielined him from the Whittaker fight. UFC legend Michael Bisping supported Chaimaev’s comeback but disagreed with his immediate title shot request. Bisping suggested a fight against the winner fo the upcoming middleweight champion bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. This would be a significant challenge for Chimaev, but a victory would undoubtedly put him in the titlr conversation.

Bisping also pointed out Khamzat Chimaev’s illness and inconsistency in appearing for fights. He added, “So, there’s no judgment against him for that, but the reality is for Khamzat Chimaev, the man doesn’t fight too frequently. Had one fight in 2023, two in 2022, and one in 2021. So, that’s an issue for the UFC and, certainly lately, he’s kind of been, I don’t want to say unreliable, but he’s pulled out a couple of times, okay?”

Several UFC veterans and analysts have cast doubt on Khamzat Chimaev’s immediate title shot aspirations. The UFC has yet to announce the official fight card for UFC 308, including Chimaev’s potential opponent. W’ll keep you update on any developments. Stay tuned!