The previous UFC middleweight champion says Khamzat Chimaev’s unimaginable rise may imply his time as champion of the division is over.
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev’s first title protection stays unconcluded, greater than six months after his championship win. At UFC 319 final 12 months, Chimaev used his elite wrestling to earn a shutout victory contained in the Octagon, dethroning Drix du Plessis by unanimous choice.
Since UFC 319, Chimaev has hinted at the potential for shifting as much as mild heavyweight to battle Alex Pereira, however this was earlier than Pereira vacated the 205-pound belt to maneuver as much as heavyweight. Regardless of Pereira’s departure from mild heavyweight, Chimaev stays centered on finally shifting up the burden class and difficult for one more title.
Regardless of a latest spectacular win over former champion Sean Strickland, Chimaev is eyeing a possible showdown with high middleweight Nassourdin Imavov in his subsequent title protection. UFC CEO Dana White lately claimed that Chimaev must defend his belt at the least as soon as earlier than contemplating a transfer outdoors the division.
Nonetheless, a return to middleweight could also be much more tough for Chimaev, who is claimed to have gained a staggering quantity of weight throughout his damage hiatus.
Michael Bisping reveals Khamzat Chimaev is way from middleweight restrict
In a latest present, TNT Sports activitiesThroughout a preview present for UFC 326, UFC Corridor of Famer Michael Bisping revealed Chimaev’s walkaround weight that would stop him from returning to middleweight.
“I talked to him final week and the man was strolling round at 240 kilos!” Bisping mentioned of Chimaev.
“He must lose some weight earlier than he can take into consideration defending the belt.”h/t Bloody Elbow)
Earlier than successful the UFC middleweight title, Chimaev tried to problem for the welterweight belt, however did not make weight at UFC 279. Chimaev was scheduled to battle Nate Diaz in the principle occasion of UFC 279 earlier than shifting properly above the 170-pound weight restrict.
If Bisping’s claims are true, Chimaev’s middleweight days could also be over. As of this writing, it’s unclear how lengthy Chimaev will probably be sidelined to get well from his latest damage and his future within the middleweight division.
Do you suppose Khamzat Chimaev will battle at middleweight once more? Tell us within the feedback!
