Khamzat Chimaev retaliates against Kamaru Usman, proclaiming, “While you may be the boogeyman, I am the wolf.”
Chimaev expresses his willingness to face Usman, on the condition that the former welterweight champion agrees to move up to the 185-pound weight class.
Chimaev’s response comes after Usman discussed the potential matchup during an intense appearance at UFC 290, expressing frustration with the challenges of materializing the fantasy fight.
Usman asserts, “Ultimately, I have been, and still am, the intimidating force in this division. I called out the guy. If you truly want to fight and aspire to be a champion, shed the weight and come face me.”
Taking to Twitter, Chimaev challenges Usman to meet him in the middleweight division, rather than engaging in a clash at 170 pounds, which seemed to be the obstacle hindering the fight’s arrangement. Usman clearly prefers fighting in the welterweight division, where he was recognized as one of its most dominant champions in history. On the other hand, Chimaev has contemplated moving up to middleweight due to ongoing difficulties in meeting the welterweight limit.
“Kamaru Usman, why are you mentioning me?” questions Chimaev. “You claim you want to fight in the middleweight class. Weight is not an issue for you. You may be the boogeyman, but I am the wolf. Ascend and face me.”
Based on this response, it is evident that Chimaev and Usman have a long way to go in terms of making the fight a reality, particularly if they still disagree on the weight class.
Chimaev has not competed in the UFC since September of last year when weight-cutting challenges led to a last-minute change in his scheduled bout against Nate Diaz. Diaz declined to face an overinflated Chimaev, who tipped the scales at 178.5 pounds, resulting in a matchup with Kevin Holland instead.
Chimaev secured victory with a D’arce choke submission in less than three minutes into the opening round.
Since joining the UFC, Chimaev has been widely regarded as one of the sport’s top prospects. He emerged as a serious threat at 170 pounds following a battle with Gilbert Burns in April 2022, but that was also the last time he managed to meet the welterweight limit.
If Chimaev is unwilling to undergo the welterweight cut again, it seems unlikely that a fight against Usman will materialize.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA rivalry
Q: What weight class is Khamzat Chimaev proposing for his fight against Kamaru Usman?
A: Khamzat Chimaev is suggesting a middleweight fight against Kamaru Usman instead of clashing at the 170-pound welterweight limit.
Q: Why did Khamzat Chimaev challenge Kamaru Usman to a middleweight fight?
A: Chimaev has been struggling with weight cutting to make the welterweight limit, so he proposed a move to middleweight as a solution.
Q: What is the disagreement between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman regarding the weight class?
A: Chimaev wants to fight at middleweight, while Usman prefers to compete in the welterweight division, where he had great success as a champion.
Q: Has Khamzat Chimaev fought recently in the UFC?
A: Chimaev’s last appearance in the UFC was in September, when weight cutting issues forced a change in opponent, and he faced Kevin Holland instead of Nate Diaz.
Q: Is there any chance of a fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman happening?
A: Given their disagreement over the weight class, the fight happening seems unlikely unless they can reach a compromise or find a solution to the weight issue.
More about MMA rivalry
- Khamzat Chimaev on Twitter
- Kamaru Usman’s UFC profile
- UFC Official Website
- Middleweight Division on UFC
- Welterweight Division on UFC
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kevin Holland Fight Recap
