The Swedish-born UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev has publicly expressed a clear ambition: a matchup with Kamaru Usman. The fluid exchange of words came through MMA Time, signaling a potential path for high-stakes fights in the upcoming calendar.
Chimaev told his team that if Colby Covington declined a fight with him and instead was matched with Leon Edwards, there would be an opening for a showdown with Usman in October. He outlined his preferred schedule, aiming to compete first in June or July, then move to the middleweight division for a transfer to Abu Dhabi in October. His plan includes two fights, with Usman as a central target, signaling a bold, back-to-back competition strategy rather than a single bout approach.
The statement follows a recent event where Chimaev took on Kevin Holland on September 11. The Russian-born Swedish fighter emerged victorious in the opening round, delivering a finish that included a dominant choke, showcasing his versatility and finishing power in the cage while the audience watched with palpable energy.
From the moment Chimaev stepped into the octagon, the arena roared in a thunderous standing ovation. It is noteworthy that his weigh-in for the UFC 279 lightweight headline did not go as planned, with difficulties in making the weight for the main event against Nate Diaz. The weigh-in hiccup added an extra layer of narrative to a fighter who has often been described as a force of nature inside the cage, capable of dictating the pace and outcome of his bouts.
Chimaev has also been associated with a phrase that has circulated in discussions about his motives and approach. There are recollections of a past declaration attributed to him, suggesting a philosophy where the immediate prize could be weightier than the belt itself. This sentiment has been part of the broader conversation about his career trajectory and the motivations behind elite competition in mixed martial arts, where champions’ belts are highly valued but not the only currency in a sport driven by timing, matchmaking, and the leverage fighters can exert when negotiating fights and schedules with management and promotion partners. The current public stance, however, appears to stress a broader ambition: to face top contenders and to pursue marquee matchups that would captivate fans and elevate his standing within the sport.