Khamzat Chimaev: The Next Middleweight Title Contender?
As the UFC middleweight division heats up, Khamzat Chimaev has emerged as a strong contender for a title shot, with UFC CEO Dana White hinting that the undefeated fighter could bypass current No. 1 contender Sean Strickland for a potential title fight against champion Dricus du Plessis.
Chimaev’s dominant victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 has increased his standing and title aspirations, putting him in a prime position for a future bout against du Plessis, the reigning champion. On the other hand, Strickland’s lackluster performance in his recent decision win over Paulo Costa has sparked questions about whether he should remain next in line for a title shot.
Caio Borralho Weighs in on Chimaev vs. Strickland
In a recent interview with Inside Fighting, Caio Borralho, a UFC middleweight, provided insight into the sparring styles of both Chimaev and Strickland, acknowledging the strengths of both fighters:
“Strickland has a tremendous gas tank, good striking, always puts pressure… Chimaev puts pressure too, but with his grappling.”
Borralho noted the difficulty in comparing the two but affirmed that both fighters are incredibly tough and hard to spar against, highlighting how Chimaev’s relentless grappling style sets him apart from Strickland’s striking pressure.
Bo Nickal Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev
Another rising star in the middleweight division, Bo Nickal, has also expressed interest in fighting Chimaev. Despite some criticisms of his performance in his recent win over Paul Craig at UFC 309, Nickal is undeterred and remains focused on becoming the best in the sport.
In an appearance on the Pound 4 Pound Podcast, Nickal explained his callout of Chimaev, emphasizing that he seeks to fight the best in order to achieve his goal of becoming the UFC champion and pound-for-pound No. 1:
“I want to fight the best guys, and Chimaev is one of the best.”
Nickal remains confident in his wrestling skills, despite some doubting his abilities after his decision win over Craig. His desire to face Chimaev underscores his confidence in taking on one of the toughest challenges in the division.
As the middleweight title picture continues to evolve, Chimaev’s rise, Nickal’s aspirations, and the ongoing developments with du Plessis and Strickland make for an exciting time in the division. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how these matchups unfold.
