Kamaru Usman Drops Interesting Challenge for Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Future

Khamzat Chimaev has been involved in some controversies lately, but most of all, his loss against Sean Strickland is still a heavily talked-about event. While most critics backed the Chechnya native to defend his title, it was Strickland who clinched the gold. Reflecting on Chimaev’s UFC future, Kamaru Usman had an interesting roadmap for ‘Borz.’ 

Kamaru Usman wants Khamzat Chimaev to Fight at Light Heavyweight

In one of his recent podcast appearances on the ‘Pound 4 Pound Show,’ Usman pointed out that staying in the middleweight division is making his weight cut difficult. Instead, the smart thing for ‘Borz’ to do is to go up to the light heavyweight division. The former UFC champion also had an opponent in mind for Chimaev. Usman urged that the 32-year-old star fighting against Paulo Costa will be a thriller. 

Usman noted, “Are you skilled enough to still be there and be the champion? You've already proven that. You've been the champion. Why not move up? Listen, Paulo Costa has moved up. That's a heat of a fight. That's a heater. Still waiting on that. He moved up to light heavyweight and looked great. So, why not?”

Usman also pointed out that securing a win might just put Chimaev into a better position to go for the title. After all, the current champion, Carlos Ulberg, will be out of action for some time as he is nursing a torn ACL. 

Meanwhile, reflecting on Chimaev’s future, Darren Till had a differing opinion. 

Darren Till Predicts Khamzat Chimaev win Against Sean Strickland

Following the loss, Chimaev has looked eager to get a rematch. According to the latest updates, Strickland, too, has now agreed to return at the end of the year. Now, while Strickland will walk in as the champion, Till predicted that it would be ‘Borz’ who would claim his title back. 

“Sean's got the belt, but I do think that Khamzat's gonna come back and beat Sean. I do. And I called it. I said it's gonna be a really hard fight for Khamzat. Sean has great takedown defense, and he can get up, and he's got an awkward style. But if you had to ask me -- and I'm a bit biased -- I do think that Khamzat can come back and beat Sean. I think he can finish him,” Till said, speaking with Full Mount MMA. 

Thus, with a lot going on, fans will be eager to see what’s next.