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“I Think He Will Put Kamaru Usman to Sleep”- Alexander Gustafsson Says He Has Been Watching Khamzat Chimaev Train

Published 01/08/2022, 6:22 AM EST

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Alexander Gustafsson has weighed in on his compatriot and Allstars Training Center training partner Khamzat Chimaev. Having trained together for many years, they know each other in and out. ‘The Mauler’ has given huge praise to Chimaev as he claimed that ‘Borz’ can completely outclass the current welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman.

Speaking to Brett Okamoto of ESPN, the former light heavyweight title challenger boasted of Chimaev’s skills. The 34-year-old even hinted that ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is no match for ‘Borz’.

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“I think he will put Kamaru Usman to sleep, honestly. I think he just touches his chin. It’s a big chance Kamaru Usman goes to sleep,” Gustafsson replied to Okamoto.

“I like Kamaru Usman. He’s a great champ. He’s just like been breaking records and you know it’s just a very, it’s a pleasure to see him fight. Because he’s a very good, technical, you know I love his jab and his wrestling. And you know you can see, he’s on top, Kamaru Usman. But I just, I can’t see him take Khamzat’s punches. I can’t see him taking his, you know, combinations.”

“When it comes to wrestling part, it’ll also be a pleasure to see because they both, they like, this probably would be one of the biggest fights in UFC history. When you come to that part, you know to see that the technical side of the fights you know when they come to the wrestling and even the striking thing you know. But, yeah, I love Usman as a champ, but Khamzat will put him to sleep, honestly,” Gustafsson continued.

Alexander Gustafsson believes Khamzat Chimaev can become the G.O.A.T.

The former 205-pound title challenger didn’t stop at pound-for-pound #1 Kamaru Usman, as he believes ‘Borz’ has the potential to venture way past and become the greatest of all time.

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In the same conversation with Brett Okamoto, Gustafsson was asked if Chimaev can break into the ranks of the greatest UFC fighters. ‘The Mauler’ replied, “100 percent yeah.”

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This is a big claim coming from Gustafsson, as this puts Chimaev in the same frame as the inarguable GOAT of the welterweight division, Georges St-Pierre. However, the Swedish wrestler first needs to prove himself against elite welterweight fighters for a considerable time in the future- this will be no menial task.

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Do you agree with Alexander Gustafsson’s claims? What would you make of a potential fight between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Aashish Kumar

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Aashish Kumar is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Journalism & Mass Communication, this Israel Adesanya fan has interned at reputed media houses and gained valuable reporting experience. Building on that experience, Aashish will look to tap into his love for combat sports and let fans benefit from his passion and journalistic expertise.
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