Kevin Holland Dismisses Khamzat Chimaev’s Fighting Reputation

Kevin Holland and Khamzat Chimaev have both been two of the UFC’s biggest breakout stars of 2020. However, Holland has had five wins in that many fights this year as compared to only three from Chimaev. Therefore, the former believes that Chimaev’s reputation as someone who fights very frequently is something that only ‘casuals’ believe in.

‘Trailblazer’ had a statement win over UFC veteran Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza at UFC 256. Following his dominant win, Holland made it evident that he is ready to get back in the Octagon as early as next week. At the post-fight press conference, Holland reiterated that he is a ‘company man’ who can fight whenever and wherever the promotion wants him to.

“I’m a company man. Whatever they want me to do, I’m here to do. They want me to fight next week, I’ll fight next week. They want me to fight in a couple of months, I’ll fight in a couple of months. It’s whatever they want me to do, I’m here to do. Ultimately, I love my job and I’m not here to complain. I’m just here for grace and glory. I love it,” Holland said.

Kevin Holland slams Khamzat Chimaev for fighting ‘two bums’ this year

Just like Kevin Holland, Chimaev has had a meteoric rise in the UFC. He set the record for the fastest turnaround in modern UFC history by winning back-to-back fights in eleven days on Fight Island. ‘Borz’ later finished Gerald Meerschaert in merely seventeen seconds. He was scheduled to fight Leon Edwards next week. However, the latter tested positive for COVID-19 leading to the postponement of the fight.

Even though Chimaev is primarily a welterweight, he has fought at 185-pounds as well. Therefore, Holland didn’t mind calling him out after his win over Souza at UFC256.

“He [Chimaev] doesn’t have a reputation for fighting all the time. That’s just what all the casuals think, that he fights all the time. He fought three times this year. Two times against bums and one against Gerald Meerschaert. Gerald Meerschaert is not a bum, but he was coming off a knockout.”

“He hasn’t beaten anybody in the UFC with a win, but at the same time he’s a good ticket for the UFC, so let me stop talking about somebody who can help us make money right,” Holland said.

Despite the massive upside of the potential pairing of the two, it is highly unlikely that they end up fighting this year. This is chiefly due to the fact that Chimaev will fight top welterweight Leon Edwards next month. However, given the history and their personalities, the UFC would look to capitalize on the opportunity of a fight between them soon.

Read More: “If You Need Somebody To Fight The Rat”- Kevin Holland Targets Khamzat Chimaev After Stellar Win