Three times, Khamzat Chimaev was scheduled to fight Leon Edwards, but eventually, the fight didn’t materialize. Now, the Swedish fighter wants to conclude the awaited showdown that dated back to 2020. However, the route to the new champion passes through another welterweight fighter, Colby Covington.
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While a trilogy fight between Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman is on cards, their fight has effectively blocked the undefeated fighter’s shot to the belt. Meanwhile, the possibility of a fourth fight involving the pair can also not be rejected. But ‘Borz’ remains hopeful for a title shot next year.
In an interview with ESPN MMA, the potential future contender talked about his 2023 plans. Also, the fighter discussed the UFC 281 results, reflected on 2022, and UFC 279 weight cut issues.
What did Khamzat Chimaev say?
The #3 ranked welterweight fighter sat with Brett Okamoto and expressed his interest in fighting new middleweight champion Alex Pereira in Brazil, followed by Colby Covington in March. After being pointed out by the eminent reporter that Chimaev had returned to training, the wrestler conceded and revealed his future interests.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 17: Khamzat Chimaev of Chechnya interacts with media during the UFC Fight Night press conference at UFC APEX on September 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Chimaev said, “I’m ready for Pereira in Brazil. Directly after that, March, if Colby wants to fight, I’d take my title and then go down to 170, fight Colby as well.”
Following this, Okamoto quizzed the Swedish fighter whether he mentioned this interest to Sean Shelby and UFC president Dana White. Also, the reporter inquired whether the fighter dropped a text to them or called the two UFC matchmakers.
The 28-year-old fighter, who had a remarkable 2022 year, replied in the affirmative.
He added further, “I text with, to Dana as well. He didn’t see that yet but uh Sean Shelby, I would speak with him and he said first ‘yeah let’s go brother we do stand’. Then I don’t know what’s happening.”
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Khamzat Chimaev last fought at UFC 279 where he made quick work of his opponent, Kevin Holland.
Chimaev’s opinion of his potential opponents
Later on, the 12-0 record holder took a dig at his potential future opponent. Chimaev mentioned that Covington couldn’t stop talking about his opponents.
In the same segment, ‘Borz’ also addressed the recent murmurs about Belal Muhammad talking about him.
The fighter clarified that he just wanted to fight and would accept the fight against any opponent. Lastly, the Allstar Training Center product called himself non-picky when it comes to choosing opponents.
