Chimaev Disses Usman, Targets Three World Titles

Undefeated UFC welterweight attraction Khamzat Chimaev has just three fights under the UFC banner and two of those opponents, John Phillips and Rhys McKee, went a combined 1-7 inside the Octagon before drawing their pink slips.

That hasn’t stopped “Borz” from dismissing the merits of reigning welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who is not only king of the 170-pound castle, but also holds the No. 1 spot in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Usman, who turned 34 back in May, defends his welterweight title against No. 1-ranked Colby Covington at UFC 268 on Nov. 6 in New York, a rematch of their UFC 245 war of attrition that ended in favor of “The Nigerian Nightmare.”

“Maybe it’ll go to a decision, maybe someone will get a knockout, both guys [are] tough guys but nothing special,” Chimaev told UFC Arabia (transcribed by MMA Junkie). “Same thing, both wrestlers and a little bit striking.”

The fact that anyone is mentioning Chimaev and Usman in the same sentence is partly the fault of UFC President Dana White, who took a break from bashing his own fighters to tease the possibility of “Borz” making a run at the division title.

Assuming Usman doesn’t die of old age in the process.

“I hope so,” Chimaev said about fighting the 19-1 Usman. “But this guy is – how old is he? Like 35? He doesn’t have so much time now, but I’m coming for him before he goes. I will be best fighter in this game and when I finish I want to be remembered like best fighter in this world, pound-for-pound No. 1 and take the belt. As many as possible, maybe two, maybe three.”

If the “I’m gonna win three belts” shtick sounds familiar, it should, it’s the same one Conor McGregor was using when he was trying to establish his own legacy. “Notorious” also liked to call people old and mock their ho-hum styles.

The formula continues to be diluted recycled by both new and existing talent.

Chimaev (9-0) has set expectations pretty high for himself against a very tough opponent in the form of welterweight “Leech” Li Jingliang. They’ll go to war on the UFC 267 main card this Sat. (Oct. 30) on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.

A victory is likely to get “Borz” into the Top 15 whereas a loss is guaranteed to end all that talk about Usman.

To see the rest of the UFC 267 fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.