Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson and surging UFC welterweight star Khamzat Chimaev are long-time friends and training partners at the Allstars Training Center. The former has been in the headlines ever since his UFC debut and many believe the undefeated ‘Borz’ will be the next big thing in the promotion.

In an interview with ESPN, MMA journalist Brett Okamoto asked ‘The Mauler’ if ‘Borz’ has the potential to become one of the greatest of all time. The heavyweight responded, “That’s the level of potential. 100 percent yeah.”

“You know, if he does all the things, you know if he does it right from the start. Like if he keeps doing what he’s doing now, he will be one of those guys one day. I am 100 percent sure of that. And it is crazy when you say because Kamaru Usman is the best guy out there right now and I love the guy.”

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“But just have been sparring with so many guys in so many levels. In heavyweight, in light heavyweights, middleweights have been sparring welterweights. This guy just puts guys away on the mat in the training sessions. I have been taking punches from heavyweights, and this guy hits with too much precision, too much power, too much explosiveness when it comes to Khamzat.”

What’s next for Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC?

‘Borz’ made his UFC debut in 2020. He competed in three fights in the same year and remained undefeated, bagging back-to-back wins. The Russian-born Swedish fighter is currently 4-0 (4 finishes) in the promotion.

After his last fight against Li Jingliang at UFC 267, the promotion found it difficult to find a viable opponent for him.

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However, the wait seems to be over as former UFC welterweight title challenger, Gilbert Burns, and Chimaev have verbally agreed to fight. It remains to be seen if the UFC books this bout.

Considering both Burns and Chimaev’s wrestling background and previous run in the promotion, fight fans can expect heavy fireworks if this fight comes to fruition.

What are your thoughts about Gustafsson’s words? What do you think of the Chimaev vs Burns clash? Let us know in the comments below.