American mixed martial arts fighter Neil Magny declares that he is ready to fight against Khamzat Chimaev. According to Neil, the Swede is a strong fighter and he will gladly share the octagon with him, but refuses to wait for Chimaev to solve his problems and decide to resume his career.
Magny, who’s had a history of trash talk with Chimaev, likes the bout with the Chechen fighter. But he said waiting for the fight is not an option.
“I’m at this point where Khamzat is this great competitor. I can definitely fight him and propel my career forward. But at the same time, I can’t put my career and life on hold to hope that he’s better,” Magny said at the UFC on ESPN 24 post-fight news conference. “The guy has pulled out of three fights over the last few months. So for me to kind of put all my eggs in one basket and wait for him and hope that he’s ready this summer, it’s just foolish on my end.
“I think if he prioritizes getting healthy and can actually complete a camp and show up to a fight, then sure, that’s a fight that I’m definitely interested in. But as far as putting my life on hold for him, I have things that I want to accomplish and time is not my best friend at this point, so I can’t wait around for him.”
Chimaev has withdrawn from his past two bouts due to complications from COVID-19. The 27-year-old has experienced lung issues that have kept him out of training. Chimaev recently said he’s recovering well and expects to return later this year.
Magny is now 4-1 in his past five fights. The 33-year-old wants to make a run at the welterweight title, but knows he doesn’t have too much time left in the sport and also has a family to feed.
“At the end of the day, the title shot and becoming a UFC champion is the end goal. But I have to be realistic about the path I take to get there,” Magny said. “I’m one injury away from never fighting again. I’m one opportunity away from never fighting again. So I have to be cautious of that and be aware of that. I do have a son to provide for, so thoughts do cross my mind when it comes to how long I’m sitting around and waiting for my next fight. At the end of the day, the gold belt would be great. But providing for my family is my No. 1 goal at this point.”