Khamzat Chimaev is confident that he has proven himself worthy of a UFC title shot.
If the criteria is missing weight, withdrawing from main events, and scamming fans out of crypto coins, then “Borz” is likely to leapfrog former middleweight titleholder, Sean Strickland, for the next crack at the 185-pound crown, currently worn by Dricus Du Plessis.
The promotion is expected to book Chimaev for UFC 308 on Oct. 26 in Abu Dhabi.
Chimaev, aged 30, informed Match TV that he is aiming to make his Octagon return in Abu Dhabi, most likely in October. Expressing his desire to compete for the title, he highlighted his impressive record of seven consecutive victories. Notably, no other UFC fighter has achieved such a feat without contending for the belt.
Du Plessis defends against Israel Adesanya atop UFC 305 next month in Perth.
Chimaev (13-0) has not competed since capturing a majority decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last October. The No. 11-ranked “Borz” was scheduled to return against Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia; however, a mysterious illness forced him to withdraw.
Whittaker went on to defeat Ikram Aliskerov by first-round knockout.
