In light of Dana White’s unexpected change of heart over the promised title shot, Khamzat Chimaev recently raised some questions about her position.
Following his victory against Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion, at UFC 294, which took place in October of last year, the undefeated Chechen has not been seen inside the octagon since then.
In the course of the fight, ‘Borz’ had a setback when he tore a ligament in his hand. This was followed by a week-long hospitalization owing to a subsequent lung infection. In spite of these obstacles, he has started his training and is thrilled about the prospect of competing for a championship.
Enlarge the Tweet
During a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Chimaev voiced his disapproval of the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), accusing him of potentially turning his back on a promise to provide him with the opportunity to compete for the middleweight title after his victory over Usman. It was him who said:
All of these guys have competed against one another, but I am the only one who has unbeaten, uncontested, 13-0 record. They assured me that I will definitely compete for the title following the bout between Usman and his opponent. I am at a loss for words because I emerged victorious from that battle. As I was listening to Dana White, she stated, “I do not believe Khamzat is the next for the title.” It’s a load of bullshit, man. For each promise that you make to me, you are obligated to fulfill it.
He went on to say:
“Since I am the one who always takes responsibility for my statements, it does not matter to me if it is some president or somebody, like a king. In the event that you offer me your word, you will be held accountable for it.
Please have a look at the comments made by Khamzat Chimaev below (4:00):
White had stated that the victor of Chimaev’s fight against “The Nigerian Nightmare” would be eligible for a shot at the 185-pound title. This was stated prior to the fight between the two fighters.
However, White changed his mind about that commitment during the press conference that took place after the fight at UFC 297. He stated that the winner of the next title challenger has not yet been determined.
Khamzat Chimaev unimpressed by Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis
In the main event of UFC 297, which took place over the weekend at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, Dricus du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland, who had been the defending champion of the 185-pound division. The fight was both exciting and evenly contested.
On the other hand, Khamzat Chimaev made the following statement on the title fight between Strickland and du Plessis in the same interview with ESPN Mixed Martial Arts:
It was a close fight, but I believe that Strickland emerged victorious in the fight. But that was nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing that led me to believe that these individuals are the real deal. Clearly, I am able to do both of them… Every time I go to a fight, I make it a point to finish off someone. I didn’t witness any of them going completely insane in their attempt to finish. Both of them were aiming for a total of five rounds. Forty seconds
