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One lightweight veteran believes that Khamzat Chimaev can make a big splash in the 205-pound division and possibly beyond.
Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight gold to Sean Strickland back in May in a competitive five-rounder. Initially, UFC CEO Dana White claimed that Chimaev told him he’s done with the 185-pound weight class. “Borz” quickly changed his tune and pounded the table for a rematch with Strickland. It appears Chimaev has moved on from the Strickland fight for now, leaving some to wonder if the former middleweight champion should just move up.
Speaking to Helen Yee, Beneil Dariush shared his belief that Chimaev wouldn’t face many issues in the light heavyweight division (via Bloody Elbow).
“I think, obviously, he was complaining about the weight cut. And I think at 205, he would do super well, too. Like, who in the 205 division is going to really give him a hard time? “He’s going to be just as big. He’s not going to have an issue with size. He’s going to have better cardio because his weight cut’s not going to be miserable. “He had the ’85 title, he can get the 205 title, and I know he’s aiming for three belts,” Dariush continued. “You know, in the future, he could be a heavyweight. I see him sparring with heavyweights all the time.”
Chimaev’s next bout hasn’t been determined, but Strickland is currently at odds with UFC management over fighter pay. “Borz” may want to keep an eye on that situation, as it may leave the door open for him to get right back in the title picture if things continue to go south. At the moment, Nassourdine Imavov is the general consensus No. 1 contender at 185 pounds.
Do you think Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight should be contested at middleweight or light heavyweight? Share your opinion in the comments below.
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