Khamzat Chimaev is eager to compete in the UFC’s middleweight division, aiming to make a significant impact at 185 pounds. The undefeated fighter, who boasts a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC, was scheduled to face former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in Saudi Arabia last month.
Unfortunately, Chimaev had to withdraw from the bout due to illness, and Whittaker instead fought Ikram Aliskerov, defeating him by a first-round knockout.
Despite having fought only five times in nearly four years, Chimaev, 30, is calling for a title shot. He has expressed his desire to compete for the championship at the UFC’s October event in Abu Dhabi. While the specific opponent for Chimaev’s potential title fight remains unknown, he is confident that his impressive record justifies a title opportunity.
This potential timeline for Chimaev’s title shot would align him with the winner of the upcoming middleweight title bout between champion Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. However, it remains uncertain whether the titleholder would agree to a quick turnaround for the October Abu Dhabi event or be willing to face Chimaev, who currently resides in the UAE.
Chimaev believes his undefeated record and seven victories should earn him a title fight, asserting that no fighter in the UFC has achieved seven wins without contending for the belt. Notably, two other UFC fighters, Ian Machado Garry and Movsar Evloev, have also won their first seven fights without receiving a title shot.
Chimaev’s UFC career has been impressive, with a particularly strong start in 2020 where he secured three wins within a span of just a few months. Since then, his activity has slowed, with only four fights, including a recent majority decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman last October.
