Khamzat Chimaev is an exciting prospect in the UFC. The 30-year-old fighter remains undefeated in Dana White‘s company. Recently, he provided a major update regarding his next bout. This eventually garnered a reaction from former UFC featherweight fighter Megan Anderson.
‘Borz’ remains inactive since fighting Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. For his comeback fight, the Chechen fighter wanted a title fight. As such, it drew criticism from the former featherweight challenger, Megan Anderson. She questioned his straight-up demand for a title shot, believing it should be earned.
Fight… for the title?!?! After pulling out of another fight last month… I don’t think that s how that works lol
Megan Anderson via X
Chimaev was initially set to headline UFC Saudi Arabia against Robert Whittaker last month. However, he had to withdraw due to illness and was replaced by Ikram Aliskerov. There has been speculation about whether Chimaev will compete this year, but it seems that he intends to. As such, Anderson felt calling for a title shot over no ranked wins at middleweight didn’t make sense.
Fight… for the title?!?! 🤨 After pulling out of another fight last month… I dont think that’s how that works lol https://t.co/joT09szWls
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) July 16, 2024
Borz has been an unstoppable force in the UFC. He has defeated some of the top fighters on the roster, including Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman. However, the 30-year-old has frequently made headlines for his alleged involvement in crypto scams and health struggles. It has put him in a negative light recently compared to what Dana White thought of him in 2020.
When Dana White issued high praise of Khamzat Chimaev
In 2020, the Chechen-born Chimaev entered the UFC middleweight division for the first time. He showcased his skills by delivering a dominant performance against John Phillips in his debut match. Following this impressive start, Borz continued his winning streak in the UFC.
Dana White praises Khamzat Chimaev after his win at UFC Vegas 11 (via X)Khamzat Chimaev quickly established himself as a rising star in the UFC. He stunned everyone with a lightning-fast 17-second victory over UFC veteran Gerald Meerschaert. His dominant performance caught the attention of the UFC CEO. The UFC president couldn’t help but shower Chimaev with high praise following his impressive win.
This guy is one of the most special fighters I’ve ever seen, if not the most special guy I’ve ever come across.
Dana White at UFC Vegas 11 post-fight press conference
UFC President Dana White on Khamzat Chimaev:
“This guy is one of the most special fighters I’ve ever seen, if not the most special guy I’ve ever come across.” pic.twitter.com/hxgunluj0g— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) September 20, 2020
Chimaev, after a long inactive period, has made his plans clear to return to the Octagon. However, his opponent has not been revealed yet. Considering the competitiveness of the middleweight division, a re-booking against Robert Whittaker might be the most suitable option. However, it remains to be seen how White and his team will make Chimaev’s next matchup.
