Khamzat Chimaev is finally going to make his long-awaited return at UFC 294. Moreover, he will be making his middleweight debut against Paulo Costa. In a recent video posted by Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, he weighed in on the possibility of Chimaev defeating ‘Borrachinha’. Bisping believes this could create problems for Israel Adesanya, Dricus du Plessis, and Sean Strickland.

‘Borz’ has been on a roll ever since he joined the UFC. He has become known for his manhandling and rag-dolling his opponents with ease. Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White recently backtracked on his comments about giving Israel Adesanya a rematch for the middleweight title. This is where Khamzat Chimaev could have an advantage. Let’s see what Michael Bisping had to say about it.

Michael Bisping gives a reality check to Israel Adesanya, Dricus du Plessis, and Sean Strickland

‘The Count’ believes that Khamzat Chimaev could become the next contender to challenge for the middleweight title. It solely depends on him defeating Paulo Costa in Abu Dhabi next month. If that prediction becomes a reality, Bisping believes it could be a problem for the surging contenders in the division, including the champion. This includes Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Dricus du Plessis, Robert Whittaker, and Jared Cannonier.

Michael Bisping said, “If Khamzat wins, is he fighting for the belts next? Because I’ll tell you what Dricus du Plessis won’t like it, Robert Whittaker won’t, Izzy won’t like it, Jared Cannonier won’t like it and Sean Strickland, he might not like it either.”

Hence, all the middleweight contenders are aware of what Khamzat Chimaev has done to his former opponents and the dominance he’s shown in his fights. Michael Bisping believes that if he can replicate those performances against ‘Borrachinha’, he might become the frontrunner to fight Sean Strickland.

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“The reality is if Khamzat Chimaev goes out there and can do what he does to everybody else against Paulo Costa, man, there is your next contender, for the middleweight title.” said the UFC Hall of Famer. Besides that, he also provided an analysis of Chimaev’s fight against Paulo Costa.

‘The Count’ analyzes the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa fight at UFC 294

Michael Bisping took a look at both Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev ahead of their fight next month. He believes the Brazilian has an advantage in terms of being able to fight on his feet. However, when it comes to jiu-jitsu, he has no idea who’ll have the upper hand. The Hall of Famer noted both fighters are excellent on the ground. Bisping further stated, “On the feet? Probably Paulo Costa. In terms of jiu-jitsu, I don’t know. I’ve never rolled with either of them, but they’re both competent on the ground.”

However, ‘The Count’ claimed that ‘Borz’ has all the momentum and support going into the fight at UFC 294. It will be in Abu Dhabi, where Chimaev has a strong fan base. Moreover, he has not fought in almost a year, which is why he might be more motivated than Paulo Costa to win. “In terms of momentum, in terms of badness, in terms of motivation [and] in terms of having the support in Abu Dhabi, we’ve got to go with Khamzat Chimaev all day long,” said Michael Bisping.

It will be interesting to see how Khamzat Chimaev fares against a veteran of the division in Paulo Costa. The latter has more experience and also has the experience of fighting in championship bouts. Meanwhile, it will be Chimaev’s first fight in a new division. We will have to wait and see how that pans out for the Swedish-Russian fighter.

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