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UFC 294 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year. Khamzat Chimaev, who was originally set to face Paulo Costa will now be fighting Kamaru Usman. UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that the bout will have title implications at middleweight for both men. Chimaev’s original opponent, Paulo Costa, was removed from the bout due to complications with his arm. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman then stepped up on short notice to take on ‘Borz’.

The move up to middleweight for Chimaev comes after he missed weight before UFC 279. He was set to face Nate Diaz but the bout was scrapped due to the weight miss. Now, as UFC 294 is just around the corner, fans are excited to see him step back into the Octagon. And with reports confirming that he has already made weight, the reactions online show fans are concerned about Usman’s chances in the matchup!

Khamzat Chimaev makes a surprise announcement and fans are concerned for Kamaru Usman

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UFC 279 saw Khamzat Chimaev miss weight by 7.5 pounds while preparing to fight Nate Diaz in the 170 lbs welterweight division. Chimaev’s substantial weight miss led to a rescheduling. And he was then booked to face Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout. Diaz then took on Tony Ferguson instead.

Chimaev showcased his skills by submitting the dangerous Holland in just one round. But the weight issues before the fight led to him making a move up to the middleweight division. Now as he gears up to take on Kamaru Usman, reports have stated that he is already on track to make weight. Fans reacted to the news with concerns about Usman as he will be making his debut in the higher weight class.

Here’s how the fans reacted:

Fans stated how they think Usman is in for a tough matchup

Many also believed that Chimaev would pose a danger to the Octagon.

Some fans reacted with sarcasm at the news.

While others wanted to know why was the  news considered surprising

Fans also believe Chimaev is finally fighting in his natural weight class

And some even took jabs at Paulo Costa and his issues with making weight

While others believe that Chimaev isn’t a large middleweight at all.

Fans generally hold an optimistic view of Khamzat Chimaev’s successful weight cut for the fight, considering it a significant stride in his professional career and his potential for success. However, they are also concerned for Kamaru Usman as he will be going up against an undefeated fighter. As both men will be looking to secure a win for it gets them one step closer to the title!

The middleweight title is in sight for Usman and Chimaev

The winner of the UFC 294 middleweight co-main event will get the chance to take a shot at the champion. Sean Strickland currently holds the middleweight title. He defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in a fight where he was considered a massive underdog. He outclassed Adesanya on the feet, even dropping him in the first round to secure a unanimous decision victory.

Read More: Dana White Turned Against the Idea of Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev Months Before Saving the UFC 294 Card With Ex-UFC Champ- “I’m Not Interested in It”

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UFC CEO Dana White recently made an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show where he confirmed the stakes for this bout. He stated, “(the winner) will get the next shot at the title barring injuries and other things that can possibly happen.

Usman and Chimaev both lack current rankings in the top 15 of the UFC middleweight division. However, with White’s confirmation, either man could take on the champion if they manage to secure a win at UFC 294.

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Do you think Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev deserve a shot at the middleweight title? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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