5 ways Khamzat Chimaev can change the landscape of the UFC
![UFC welterweight Khamzat Chimaev [Image via @espnmma on Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/04/3d520-16495959840815-1920.jpg?w=500)
Khamzat Chimaev is the hottest prospect in the UFC right now. He has advanced up the ranks at an unprecedented pace, demolishing every opponent he's faced along the way.
Chimaev joined the UFC with a perfect professional record of 6-0. 'Borz' broke onto the scene with a couple of dominant performances in Abu Dhabi in 2020. He subsequently picked up a 17-second KO victory over Gerald Meerschaert, a first-round submission win over Li Jingliang, and a unanimous decision triumph over Gilbert Burns.
The hype is REAL 🔥
[ @KChimaev | #UFC273 ] https://t.co/2q8Dyrm6Cs
There's clearly something very special about this undefeated phenom. He's finished almost every fighter he's faced and is as durable as they come. At just 27, he's only scratching the surface of what he's truly capable of and he's destined for some great things in the UFC.
On that note, here are five ways Khamzat Chimaev can change the landscape of the UFC.
#5. Khamzat Chimaev has the skillset to dethrone the reigning pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman has emerged as a dominant champion since winning the welterweight title back in 2019. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' has already defended his belt five times and is unbeaten since 2013. He is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world right now.
With a couple more marquee wins, Usman will likely enter the GOAT debate having ripped through the UFC ranks since joining the promotion over seven years ago.
Top welterweight contenders Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns have tried and failed at dethroning the reigning welterweight kingpin. Usman's wrestling pedigree and knockout power have proved to be a lethal combination, making him a dreadful stylistic matchup for anyone.
Most acknowledge Covington as the second-best fighter at 170 pounds. 'Chaos' is the only one who's been able to push Usman, with his wrestling background going a long way in creating a competitive matchup. His two losses to the champion indicated that 'The Nigerian Nightmare' could reign over the division for a long time.
However, since the emergence of Khamzat Chimaev, there's a real feeling in the air that Usman's championship reign could face a real threat sooner than he might've hoped. Chimaev is a wrestling phenom, just like the welterweight kingpin. Both fighters have devastating knockout power as well.
Kamaru Usman is reportedly set to defend his title against Leon Edwards later this year. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev is coming off a win over top-ranked contender Gilbert Burns.
A potential clash between Chimaev and Usman down the line has the potential to be reminiscent of the Matt Hughes vs. Georges St-Pierre bouts of the past. A win for 'Borz' will not only see him become a world champion, he will also likely be acknowledged as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Gustafsson thinks Chimaev could dethrone the champ 👑
(via @bokamotoESPN) https://t.co/QH2MgpZJUG