Khamzat
Chimaev has a date in mind for his next Octagon appearance, and
he wants the stakes to be significant for that fight.
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Chimaev hasn’t competed since October 2023, when he took a majority
decision over former welterweight kingpin Kamaru
Usman in his middleweight debut at UFC 294. “Borz” was
scheduled to face Robert
Whittaker at
UFC on ABC 6 in Saudi Arabia on June 22 before a severe illness
forced Chechen-born Swede to withdraw from the event.
While a victory in that fight would have likely placed Chimaev near
the top of the contender’s queue at 185 pounds, he still believes
he should have an opportunity to challenge for middleweight gold in
his next bout. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Chimaev expects
that will be at UFC 308
on Oct. 26.
“Most likely [my return will happen] in October in Abu Dhabi,”
Chimaev told
Match TV. “[The opponent is] unknown so far. I would like to
fight for the title.
“I have seven fights, seven victories. There is no fighter in the
UFC who has won seven fights without fighting for the belt.”
Though Chimaev’s record keeping isn’t necessarily accurate, he is
7-0 within the Las Vegas-based promotion. However, just one of
those wins is at middleweight. Dricus Du
Plessis will defend the 185-pound belt against Israel
Adesanya at UFC 305
in Perth on Aug. 17. Meanwhile, both Whittaker and ex-champ
Sean
Strickland have legitimate claims to the No. 1 contender spot
at 185 pounds, so it is unclear if Chimaev’s request will be
granted.