“I Just Don’t Think This Is a Smart Move…”: Amid Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman Fight Rumors, Ex-UFC Champ Casts Doubts on the Weight Class of the Fight

Ever since his UFC debut back in 2020, fans have been hoping for the promotion to pit Khamzat Chimaev against Kamaru Usman. Given their size and wrestling background, the two are widely considered a great matchup. Even though there are no official words out, the potential bout is once again in rumors. This time, it is expected to take place in UFC’s middleweight division, instead of the previously thought welterweight.

Many experts in the past have come forward with their opinions on the subject. The latest of them is Henry Cejudo. The former NCAA and Olympic wrestler is coming off an upset loss on his UFC comeback. With a plethora of experience in his combat sports career, ‘Triple C’ has an interesting take on two of his UFC fellows going up against each other.

Suggestion for Usman from a fellow NCAA alumni

In his recent interview with The Schmo, Henry Cejudo expressed his opinion on the matter. According to the former UFC-two division champion, Usman shouldn’t take the bout at UFC’s 185 lbs division. Instead, the promotion should pair the two at the welterweight. Cejudo reasoned this opinion with Chimaev’s massive size as the basis of his opinion. If he is to be believed, the Chechen is big even at middleweight. Thus, Usman would be at a disadvantage moving up against Chimaev in the bigger division.

“Make them go down to 170. I’d like they could come down to 170 and let’s make it fair. You know, the last thing you want to do is dabble and go up in weight divisions and then try to fight for the belt and then come down 15 pounds. I just don’t think this is a smart move.”

However, Cejudo also believes that Kamaru Usman should take the fight in the middleweight division given, he is properly compensated for that. According to him, it’s now upon the former welterweight champion to decide if he wants to chase the belt or money. For context, the Nigerian is coming off a back-to-back loss to welterweight champion Leon Edwards, losing his title in the first one. Given he already lost the rematch, many are anticipating the former Pound-for-Pound king’s next move in the MMA, which, according to many, is a move to middleweight.

Read More: Ahead of Nate Diaz Fight, Jake Paul’s Ex-Rival Drops Serious Claims Backing YouTuber Over Ex-UFC Star

While Chimaev-Usman is a highly anticipated potential fight, ‘Borz’ has his eyes fixed on another star fighter.

Israel Adesanya speaks on potential Khamzat Chimaev bout

Apart from Kamaru Usman, if there is one fighter that’s most touted as Khamzat Chimaev‘s next matchup, it has to be Israel Adesanya. Considering Chimaev’s high-level wrestling, he is considered a bad matchup for ‘The Last Stylebender’. In one of his recent appearances at Logan Paul’s podcast, IMPULSIVE, Adesanya nodded to the idea of the potential match. But at the same time, stated that he has different priorities for now.

Watch this Story: Real Fight Incorporations: The MMA Promotion of Nick and Nate Diaz

It is interesting to note that Chimaev has called out the champion on multiple occasions. Considering, ‘Borz’ will probably move up to the middleweight, fans were speculating about finally witnessing the two clash. However, Adesanya has light-heavyweight ambitions, while Khamzat too seems interested in a different fight for his middleweight debut.

What do you think? Who will Khamzat Chimaev face next? Let us know in the comments.