Getty Image / Jeff Bottari
After losing to Leon Edwards for a second time in a row, Kamaru Usman’s next move is a bit up in the air.
However, top contender Khamzat Chimaev seems to believe he’ll be taking on the former welterweight champion at UFC 294 in October.
Chimaev called out Usman multiple times in the latest episode on his YouTube channel. Additionally, MMA Orbit reports that Khamzat believes the UFC is setting up a fight between the two MMA stars.
Additionally, Khamzat Chimaev claims that he’ll be facing off against Kamaru Usman in the welterweight division, despite struggling to make weight for his last fight in that class.
🚨| Khamzat Chimaev has said that the UFC are targeting a fight between himself and Kamaru Usman at #UFC294 in October.
He says the fight will be at welterweight.
[per Chimaev’s YT channel]#UFC294 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/OBQTdct9wi
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) May 23, 2023
Even so, Chimaev has become one of the UFC’s top contenders. On top of that, he seems convinced he’ll be taking on Usman later this year.
Here’s a clip of him talking about Usman and several other fighters as he trains for his next bout.
I mean, look at the crazy look in his eyes as he’s calling out Usman to the camera.
Although he seems adamant about fighting the former champ, the UFC has not confirmed this potential bout.
On top of that, fight fans seem a bit suspicious of Khamzat Chimaev’s claim about Kamaru Usman.
dont jinx it 🙏🏾
— KSI Fandom (@JJtheGoatKSIfan) May 23, 2023
I hope it’s true too.
I love Khamzat but idk whether to believe him or not lol. Hope it’s true, epic fight.
— 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚝 (@Halvani7) May 23, 2023
At least this guy is confident.
100% Khamzat will make weight no reason to be worried at all
— Full Nelson Fight News (@FNFightNews) May 23, 2023
Meanwhile, some fans are simply choosing to not believe it.
This fight is not happening
— Christian•~• (@YE_YUHHH) May 23, 2023
Hopefully, Dana White and the UFC provide some insight on Khamzat’s claims. If it’s true, then we just hope Chimaev makes weight. If not, well, there has to be an interesting matchup for him at middleweight.
Somebody call up Paulo Costa. What’s he up to?