Kamaru Usman Proposes a List of Fights for Khamzat Chimaev; Believes ‘Hype’ and ‘Excitement’ Alone Don’t Warrant a Title Shot

UFC 273 is one of the most anticipated cards of the year. With two title fights and another one for the number one title contender fight. Khamzat Chimaev is undoubtedly the hottest welterweight prospect at this moment. If the Russian dominantly wins against Gilbert Burns during UFC 273’s welterweight bout, a fight against Kamaru Usman is most likely plausible. 

Khamzat Chimaev has an undefeated fight streak of 10 wins in the UFC and is ready to take up any UFC fight. Based on what the current pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman has to say about it, it seems as though the Chimaev hype train might just be getting to him. 

In an interview with MMA & boxing journalist Chisanga Malata, the Nigerian highlighted various facets of the welterweight division, as well as how the UFC should be proceeding with Khamzat Chimaev. Talking about a shot at the title, the Nigerian king doesn’t believe that the Russian deserves it yet. 

Is Kamaru Usman scared of Khamzat Chimaev? 

Talking about how soon Chimaev might be given a title shot, Usman stated, “Yeah, it seems very, very quick, and that’s what’s, even funny about the fact is, of course, I understand they’re bringing all this hype and bringing all this news and media attention to this kid. But he hasn’t done anything yet.” 

He continued, “He’s done his job. He’s done what he’s supposed to do with the opposition that’s presented to him. So, yeah, I’d like to see him get in the rankings. And fight some of these guys in the rankings to really put that flag down there, ‘Hey, I need that title shot.’ Because it’s off of hype and excitement, it doesn’t warrant a title shot.” 

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“So, to just basically throw this kid in there in a year or two years, and start talking about title contention when he hasn’t beaten the likes of Covington, Masvidal, Edwards, Burns, Luque [Vicente Luque], none of those guys. It’s kinda tough to just say, ‘okay, we’re just gonna skip all these guys and just hand it to him’ because, you know, there’s a lot of excitement around him. I think he needs a few more fights.” Usman further added. 

Although Usman backed his argument with the technicalities of the UFC matchmaking blueprint, his reluctance in directly addressing the fact that he would face Chimaev if he had to be clear as day. 

Is Usman vs. Edwards next? 

The Nigerian champ has been in discussion to fight welterweight Leon Edwards after the latter stated that he wanted to fight the champ next. Based on what Usman said during the interview, he seems to be keen to fight Edwards as well. 

Although a good matchup in the welterweight division, the fans want to see Chimaev get a title shot next. This is plausible if he wins comfortably against Gilbert Burns. Dana White, however, is keen to make the Khamzat Chimaev-Colby Covington fight while the Usman-Edwards fight is possibly next.

Also Read: Is Khamzat Chimaev Related to Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Things in the welterweight division will be a lot clearer after UFC 273. If Chimaev wins dominantly, he might just get offered a title shot against Kamaru Usman. If he does decently against Burns, Covington will be a better matchup before a title shot for the Russian.