“Weird to Be Losing Big Chunks of Your Prime” – Concern for Khamzat Chimaev Rises Amidst Uncertainty for Kamaru Usman Fight Due to Dana White’s Reluctance

Khamzat Chimaev has been out of action since UFC 279 and is still struggling to get a fight. ‘Borz’ was to be the send-off fight for Nate Diaz, but he missed weight and botched the opportunity. Now, UFC President Dana White is unsold on the idea of the Chechen brawler fighting at welterweight and would rather have him fight at middleweight. Nevertheless, ‘Borz’ hasn’t gotten a fight despite rumors of names like Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa.

Several fans and pros believe the 29-year-old struggles to get fights because fighters wish to avoid him. Then came former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Having lost two consecutive title fights to Leon Edwards, Usman is taking the risky road and has called out Khamzat Chimaev.

An exciting matchup at welterweight, seemingly everyone welcomed it, except Dana White. The UFC president did not want to make the fight, citing that Usman was calling for a catchweight bout. The 53-year-old has always been against catchweight bouts as he believes they are pointless. Now Chimaev’s inactivity is unsettling UFC veterans like Kenny Florian and Brendan Schaub, and UFC commentator Jon Anik.

Jon Anik talks Khamzat Chimaev with Kenny Florian and Brendan Schaub

Jon Anik and Kenny Florian joined Brendan Schaub on ‘The Schaub Show’ to discuss UFC Charlotte and other trending MMA topics. The trio eventually came around to the Dana White-Khamzat Chimaev-Kamaru Usman situation. Schaub was all praise for Usman calling for the dangerous fight.

Read More– Despite Dana White’s Disapproval, Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman Mercilessly Trade Taunts Amidst Rumors of a Possible Fight

Meanwhile, Florian asked, “Dana said something about ‘Khamzat has had opportunities and it’s been on him that he’s not taking some of these fights.’ Is that accurate? What’s going on there?”

Anik replied, “In 2021, this guy was on a definite welterweight path and I think that’s probably what Dana is referencing- that there have been opportunities for this guy, right? He was thrice booked against Leon Edwards. I mean, it’s not that long ago.”

He continued, “He’s still ranked at 170 lbs. His last fight wasn’t all that long ago and I believe he contracted for 170 lbs even though he weighed more than that. But I don’t know.” Finally, he added, “Let’s go already. He’s one of the best in the world. It’s just weird to be losing big chunks of your prime.”

What are your thoughts on Anik’s comments? Do you think Usman vs. Chimaev is the fight to make? Would you see that fight at welterweight or middleweight?

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Let us know in the comments below.