Khamzat Chimaev suggests surprise match against Conor McGregor in Zuffa Boxing

Khamzat Chimaev is just not planning a boxing transition, but there’s one matchup that he would consider within the ring.

The UFC middleweight champion is fast approaching his first defense contained in the Octagon, which comes nine months after he snatched the 185-pound crown away from Dricus du Plessis last August.

Chimaev will probably be challenged by Sean Strickland within the principal event of UFC 328 on May 9. The polarizing American is seeking to turn out to be a two-time champ within the division.

While ‘Borz’ has his sights on Strickland, he did recently take a moment to evaluate his future plans. If he has his way, that will include a surprise boxing match against the UFC’s all-time biggest star.

Who wins within the principal event of UFC 328 on May 9?

Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev finally get the prospect to settle their bitter feud at Prudential Center, can the American beat the champ?

Khamzat Chimaev wants the ‘good money’ that will come from boxing Conor McGregor

Chimaev beat Du Plessis at UFC 319 by accumulating over 20 minutes of control time. But that title-winning strategy doesn’t mean the champ lacks confidence in his hands.

The undefeated Chechen memorably knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in only 17 seconds early in his UFC profession, and he wouldn’t mind the prospect to repeat that feat against a person who knows a thing or two about fast KOs.

During a recent media scrum ahead of his UFC 328 return, Chimaev pitched a shock match against Conor McGregor under Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing banner.

“I’m not going to maneuver over to boxing,” Chimaev said. “I will probably be perpetually a UFC fighter.

“Perhaps if Zuffa (Boxing) gives the prospect, box with Conor, or if Conor wants to simply accept that. It will be nice. Why not?

“Conor is a very good boxer, top-of-the-line boxers within the UFC,” he continued. “It will be nice to try to go fight that guy. Good money, too. He talks higher than Sean Strickland. It will be fun.”

McGregor is anticipated to return at UFC 329, which can function this 12 months’s International Fight Week event in Las Vegas.

The Irishman has not competed in any form since 2021 and has fought just 4 times since he crossed over to box Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

Loads of fighters have staked their claim for similar crossover matches since then. White has not appeared keen and has already shut down talk of UFC fighters appearing in Zuffa Boxing.