It didn’t take long for Khamzat Chimaev to mark himself out as a one-of-a-kind commodity within the UFC.
Chimaev is about for his first title shot against Dricus du Plessis, which is available in the primary event of the UFC 319 pay-per-view on August 16. The chance in Chicago has been an extended time coming for ‘Borz’, who once seemed to be on a quick track to the highest.
Du Plessis and Chimaev’s title clash will happen greater than five years after the Chechen star’s Octagon debut. A mess of health issues, certainly one of which even left Chimaev contemplating retirement, have stalled his championship ambitions lately.
However the lengthy wait for a maiden shot at UFC gold has not dampened the boldness many have long had about Chimaev’s potential, and amongst his biggest supporters early on was the UFC president.
Dana White was in awe of Khamzat Chimaev after 17-second KO marked third win in three months
Chimaev enjoyed a record-breaking start within the UFC, as he reeled off his opening two wins within the span of just 10 days on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi. It didn’t take long for ‘Borz’ so as to add one other when he headed to the USA just a number of months later.
Netting a 3rd win within the space of three months, Chimaev knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds at UFC Vegas 11. Having displayed his knockout power following two one-sided grappling performances, it was clear that ‘Borz’ was the actual deal.
That was hammered home by Dana White while chatting with Megan Olivi after fight. White went so far as to say he had “never” seen a fighter like Chimaev in his twenty years as UFC president on the time.
“One punch. 17 seconds. This kid is special,” White said.
“He’s different than any fighter I’ve ever seen. I’ve been within the business for a really very long time, I’ve seen a whole lot of greats come and go.
“This kid is completely special and I’ve never seen anything prefer it,” White added.
Khamzat Chimaev’s first challenger if he beats Dricus du Plessis might already be set
While Du Plessis and Chimaev can have their sole deal with one another in the intervening time, a recent result can have lined up the following opponent for whoever emerges from UFC 319 as middleweight champion.
Anthony Hernandez caught Du Plessis’ eye together with his performance in Saturday’s UFC Vegas 109 primary event, as he mauled Roman Dolidze en path to a fourth-round submission on the Apex.
Having won eight fights in a row, ‘Fluffy’ believes he deserves the following opportunity at 185 kilos.
“I would like a title shot,” Hernandez said post-fight. “What the f— have I got to do?
“Give me a title shot and I promise I’ll be the following champ.
“I would like to prove I can take a title,” he added. “I would like to prove I’m one of the best on the earth.”