“It’s Like Amazing to Fight This Guy”- Khamzat Chimaev Opens Up About Facing Nate Diaz Who He ‘Grew Up On’

Khamzat Chimaev has had a phenomenal rise in the UFC. The undefeated fighter has strung a couple of wins and is now placed third on the welterweight rankings. Chimaev, who was last involved in a brutal war against Gilbert Burns, will now face UFC welterweight Nate Diaz at UFC 279. Ahead of this much-anticipated fight, ‘Borz’ shared his views on Nate Diaz.

In an appearance on The MMA Hour, Chimaev mentioned he watched Diaz fight when he was in school. ‘Borz’ said, “I like that guy. I grow up on him you know. Like I was in school when he was fighting in the UFC. It’s like amazing to fight that guy.” 

“I like it you know. Because like, you’ve seen that like in the movies… When I was young, like movie you know that they were gonna get there, I just gonna see that. Now. I’ll fight with that guys when I was watching you know. American guys, from Chechnya I watch them. Fight with them, yeah.” concluded the superstar welterweight.

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Chimaev is a heavy favorite to win this fight against Nate Diaz. ‘Borz’ also shared his thoughts on being Nate Diaz’s last opponent and also took a shot at the fighter.

Khamzat Chimaev on being picked as Nate Diaz’s opponent

For a while now, Nate Diaz has been requesting a release or for the last fight. The promotion finally met Diaz’s request after they booked him for the main event fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279. Diaz, who has a last fight remaining on his contract, is not expected to sign with the UFC again.

Chimaev was asked did he feel he was picked by the UFC to end Diaz’s career on a bad note. ‘Borz’ said that it did not matter to him and he would do the same to anyone, including the welterweight champion. Chimaev said, “Yeah why not? For me, it actually doesn’t matter. If they give me Kamaru Usman, I will do the same thing. For me, it doesn’t matter.” 

‘Borz’ is of the opinion that even though Diaz hasn’t been in the greatest form recently, the Stockton-born fighter is still dangerous. Chimaev added, “He’s still dangerous you know. He’s like he fight last second. I’m happy he’s fighting with me. He’s one of the legends.”

Khamzat Chimaev also mentioned he will show Nate Diaz who the real gangster is at UFC 279. “Everyone speaking gangster gangster. I’m gonna show who’s the gangster. You know like, I like told that before… We from Chechnya… We eat the gangsters for breakfast you know,” concluded the third-ranked UFC welterweight.

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The fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Nate Diaz will be very exciting to see. While many expect ‘Borz’ to dominate Diaz, it will be interesting to see if The Ultimate Fighter season 5 winner can use his experience to end Chimaev’s undefeated streak.

What are your thoughts on Chimaev’s statement? Who do you think will win between Khamzat Chimaev and Nate Diaz? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.