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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 30: Khamzat Chimaev of Sweden reacts after his victory over Li Jingliang of China in a welterweight fight during the UFC 267 event at Etihad Arena on October 30, 2021 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
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via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 30: Khamzat Chimaev of Sweden reacts after his victory over Li Jingliang of China in a welterweight fight during the UFC 267 event at Etihad Arena on October 30, 2021 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Khamzat Chimaev is widely regarded as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC today. He has dominated all his opponents in the octagon, and many fans are eagerly waiting for his next fight. However, Chimaev‘s career has hit a bump in the road recently, with his missed weight at UFC 279 and the news of his move to middleweight in October.
At UFC 279, Chimaev was scheduled to face Nate Diaz at welterweight. However, he missed weight by nine pounds, leading to the reshuffling of the entire fight card. The welterweight contender ended up fighting Kevin Holland and dominated the fight, winning by submission in the first round. However, Chimaev was criticized for his weight miss, and fans were left wondering what the future holds for him.
A popular MMA journalist offered an update on the Swede’s future plans in the fighting promotion.
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Aaron Bronsteter tweets about Khamzat Chimaev
Recently, Aaron Bronsteter, a well-known MMA journalist, tweeted that the UFC is looking for Chimaev to return to middleweight in October. “(Dana) White says that they are looking for Khamzat Chimaev to return at middleweight in October”, Bronsteter tweeted.
White says that they are looking for Khamzat Chimaev to return at middleweight in October.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 19, 2023
This news has upset fans who feel that the UFC is stalling the career of their biggest hype train. Many fans believe that Chimaev‘s best matchup was against Gilbert Burns, who is a welterweight fighter. Therefore, Chimaev should have stayed at welterweight, fought more, and challenged for the title in the future.
Here are some of the fan reactions –
One fan wrote – “Why are they stalling the career of their biggest hype train?”
Another said – “They’ve completely fumbled his career, I know he had the long bout with Covid but he’s wanted to fight and people want to watch him fight. Also I think Burns was his hardest stylistic matchup in the top 5 when it happened, it’s like they tried to kill the hype train.”
Read More – “Lying and Have No Shame” – Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back at Colby Covington Over ‘Unprofessional’ Comment
Another fan said – “Most exciting fighter in the ufc. Fights for 2 mins a year.”
One blamed UFC for this and said – “The ufc is so f*cking dirty dude. Basically made the decision for him to move up and are holding him out so he doesn’t fight Covington.”
One criticized Chimaev for not fighting enough – “I dont understand why Khamzat needs to wait a whole 7 months to fight. Is it because its Abu Dhabi? “
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 10: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia prepares to fight Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight fight during the UFC 279 event at T-Mobile Arena on September 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Another one said – “Bro keep talking about a welterweight strap whole time bro not even a contender at MW. Lol dude has really ruined his own hype train single-handedly”
One fan said – “Mans went from fighting consistently to barely twice a year now.”
The 28-year-old has several options in the middleweight division that could intrigue him.
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Khamzat Chimaev’s future at middleweight
Despite the disappointment from fans, Chimaev‘s future at middleweight is an interesting prospect. He has engaged in a back-and-forth with Paulo Costa, another top middleweight fighter, on social media. Many fans are excited about the possibility of Chimaev and Costa fighting each other, which could be a huge matchup for the UFC.
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via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 9: Khamzat Chimaev (L) speaks to Joe Rogan (R) during the ceremonial weigh-ins on September 9, 2022, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Khamzat Chimaev‘s dominance in the Octagon has made him a fan favorite. However, his missed weight at UFC 279 and the news of his move to middleweight have left fans disappointed. Despite this setback, Chimaev‘s future at middleweight looks promising, with the possibility of a matchup against Paulo Costa. As always, fans will be eagerly waiting to see what’s next for this rising star in the UFC.
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