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Khamzat Chimaev aims to remind fans of his dominance as he prepares for his return at UFC 294. Chimaev is known for his strength and wrestling skills. And the fans got a peek at both in his last appearance inside the cage at UFC 279. He faced Kevin Holland and dominated the affair with his grappling, which led to him securing a first-round submission victory.

He was originally set to face Paulo Costa at UFC 294 but the Brazilian was replaced by Kamaru Usman due to revelations about a serious infection that required surgery. Fans are excited to see Chimaev return to the cage and test his wrestling against former welterweight champion, Usman. But an interaction between Chimaev and Daniel Cormier, former UFC heavyweight and light-heavyweight champion, has fans rolling with laughter. And the video also highlights just how strong ‘Borz’ is!

Khamzat Chimaev carries DC in his arms and fans are left rolling in their seats

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Khamzat Chimaev will be returning to the Octagon for the first time since 2022. Paulo Costa, his original opponent revealed that he had surgery due to a staph infection weeks out from the fight. As such, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that he was replaced by Kamaru Usman, who decided to step up on short notice. Usman will be making his debut in the middleweight division for this fight.

The clip of Chimaev and Cormier was shared by ESPN MMA on Instagram. In the video Chimaev and Cormier are engaging in playful wrestling in a clinch. Cormier, who fought most of his career in weight classes above Chimaev is surprised when he is hoisted off his feet!

Chimaev effortlessly picking up the former heavyweight champion has caused a flurry of reactions online. And fans can’t believe how easy he made it look!

 

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Here’s how the fans reacted:

Chimaev’s ease in making the lift look effortless stunned many fans.

Picked up DC like he was a skinny man 

Some even jokingly referred to Cormier’s supposed weight in the clip.

More like KFC

Keep in mind DC is 350lbs right here

Another fan pointed out that they found the show of strength unimpressive.

Is this supposed to be a flex??? Weili can pick up Shaq, so miss me with this.

Cormier and his attempts to wrestle other fighters were also pointed out by fans. Many even referred to the two contrasting styles of wrestling on display in the clip.

DC always challenging UFC fighters to take him down

Mountain wrestling vs usa wrestling

DC is always out here trying to wrestle someone 

And one fan even pointed out the sheer ease with which Chimaev executed the lift.

He picking up DC like fake weights bruh

Regardless of the banter and jokes, Chimaev’s incredible strength and the contrasting approaches to wrestling in the video certainly left fans with plenty to discuss and enjoy. But another former UFC fighter thinks Usman isn’t a challenge for ‘Borz’!

Former UFC welterweight thinks Kamaru Usman is in trouble

Kamaru Usman who stepped up on short notice to fight Chimaev at a weight class above his own is aiming to reclaim his championship glory. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ lost his title to Leon Edwards after a long winning streak that saw him defend the title 5 times. He attempted to rematch Edwards for the title at UFC 286, but he lost the fight via decision.

via Imago

As he steps up against Chimaev, another former UFC star believes that he doesn’t stand a chance against the surging ‘Borz’. Darren Till, once a welterweight title contender in the UFC and Chimaev’s friend thinks Usman doesn’t pose any threats to Chimaev.

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In an interview with The Schmo, Till made it clear why he is supporting Chimaev in this matchup. He stated, “As much as I’m his friend, I’m his biggest fan, Khamzat – I think he’s gonna run over Usman.”

Read More: Khamzat Chimaev Has Grown More Humble Ever Since Facing Kamaru Usman’s Teammate Gilbert Burns

As UFC 294 gets closer, fans are excited to see just how well Kamaru Usman’s wrestling will match up against Khamzat Chimaev. And with the video of Chimaev easily carrying Daniel Cormier around, it’ll be interesting to see Usman deal with the sheer power of ‘Borz’.

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Do you think Usman will be able to outwrestle Chimaev? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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