Khamzat Chimaev shows respect to Kamaru Usman by recognizing him as one of the best he's ever fought
Khamzat Chimaev has been inactive for more than a year as he last entered the octagon last October when he defeated Kamaru Usman, who moved up a weight class on 10 days notice, via majority decision at UFC 294. The No.13-ranked middleweight recently showed respect to his former opponent by praising his mindset in the bout.
Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, 'Borz' was asked what he learned from facing the former welterweight champion. He responded:
"A lot of different things, makes a different mindset and a lot of good things. Kamaru is one of the best guys who I've faced. He's been No.1 pound-for-pound. Robert [Whittaker] hasn't been there yet. Me too."
Chimaev continued:
"People forget who was Kamaru Usman. When I beat him, everyone was talking about he's not that good and this that, but that guy is crazy good, man. If I take somebody's back like I took his - he has a champion's mindset. He didn't give [up]. He had five minutes where he defended his neck, but this is not that easy."
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments on Kamaru Usman below (starting at the 4:15 mark):
Chimaev remains undefeated in his mixed martial arts career, finishing 11 of his 13 opponents, with Usman and Gilbert Burns being the only two fighters to take him to a decision. He is set to make his return to the octagon this weekend when he faces Robert Whittaker in his first career bout against a ranked middleweight.
Robert Whittaker confident heading into Khamzat Chimaev clash
Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker will face each other in a five-round middleweight title eliminator that will serve as the co-main event of UFC 308. While 'Borz' is a heavy favorite in the bout, 'The Reaper' recently expressed confidence that he will hand his opponent his first career loss.
Speaking on episode one of UFC 308 Embedded: Vlog Series, the No.3-ranked middleweight revealed that he feels great heading into the bout before adding:
"I've stepped in the octagon with the best fighters in the world. The best strikers in the world. The best wrestlers in the world. I have a wealth of experience under my belt and I look forward to putting him through the paces. I look forward to the test. I understand the hard fight that Chimaev's going to bring in oppose to me, but that's how I get stronger, that's how I get better. The harder the challenge, the greater the triumph."
Check out Robert Whittaker's full comments on facing Khamzat Chimaev below (starting at the 7:27 mark):
Whittaker will enter the octagon for the third time in 2024 as he looks to continue his winning streak and earn a middleweight title shot. Meanwhile, Chimaev, who is seemingly destined to fight for UFC gold since joining the promotion in 2020, has the opportunity to make a statement in the 185 pound division.