It has been over a year since we last saw Khamzat Chimaev compete in the Octagon but that year away from the spotlight has only added more questions to his mystery.
“Borz” immediately made his name in the promotion thanks to his dominant performances and willingness to fight anyone at anytime, even at multiple weights.
Following his drastic weight miss at UFC 279 last year that led to the entire card being shuffled around, it appears that his time as a welterweight is over for now.
When he returns at UFC 294 this Saturday, he may not be facing a top contender in the middleweight division but there are still huge stakes hanging above the fight.
With Paulo Costa ruled out of the contest at late notice, the former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman took his place to make his 185-pound debut in a title eliminator.
If anything, the change of opponent has increased the hype for Khamzat Chimaev’s return and opened up even more questions we need answers to about the charismatic phenom.
Ahead of his middleweight debut, he even drew some positive words from a man who is usually far more interested in taking shots at others on social media instead of hyping them up.
Conor McGregor Reveals His Excitement For The Return Of Khamzat Chimaev This Weekend
Posting a comment on Instagram, Conor McGregor gave his thoughts on the upcoming co-main event this weekend.
Revealing that he is excited to see Khamzat Chimaev compete at the top of the middleweight division, the Irishman said that this is not only the better weight class for the 29-year-old but a “perfect fight”.
“A much better fighter at 185. But he must face bigger opponents now, albeit not this fight as he faces a 170 on a steep skid. But he himself gets to weight the bigger weight. A perfect fight for the Chechen. I am excited to see this story unfold”
Chimaev vs. Usman might just be one of the best match-ups of the year and with the winner getting a shot at the middleweight champion Sean Strickland, it’s crazy to think this fight wasn’t even booked just over a week ago.