Khamzat Chimaev slams Colby Covington for ducking him
Khamzat Chimaev has been calling for a bout with Colby Covington for nearly a year. The No. 3-ranked welterweight recently slammed the No. 2-ranked contender for refusing to fight him.
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Chimaev was asked about when he will enter the octagon next, he responded:
"I have no clue, either. At first, they said it was Colby Covington. We've been waiting for half a year. It looks like he doesn't want it. They all call me out, but as soon as the UFC tries to make the fight, they start running. I think it's going to be the winner of [Kamaru] Usman vs. [Leon] Edwards III, whoever takes it will face me."
Prior to UFC 279, where he was scheduled to fight Nate Diaz in the main event, Chimaev accused Colby Covington of avoiding him.
While 'Borz' has not fought since UFC 279, which was nearly five months ago, Covington has not fought in nearly a year; he last entered the octagon at UFC 272. The No. 2-ranked welterweight has been noticeably quiet despite being called out by several welterweight contenders.
Watch Khamzat Chimaev discuss Colby Covington below (starting at the 0:20 mark):
Khamzat Chimaev reveals the fighter that he believes he will face next
Khamzat Chimaev has been itching to get back into the octagon after nearly five months of inactivity. The No. 3-ranked welterweight, who has teased a move to middleweight in the past, revealed that he believes his next opponent will be No. 2-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker. Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Chimaev stated:
"I think I will fight Robert Whittaker. He's got no opponent. Paulo Costa ran away after talking that much about me and Robert so I will fight Whittaker. I want this fight, although I like him as a human being. He is a solid guy, doesn't talk trash, doesn't cross any lines. We are going to have fun at the press conference and fight each other."
While Chimaev has previously called for a title shot against middleweight champion Alex Pereira, he is not ranked in the division. Defeating a top middleweight contender such as Whittaker could expedite his opportunity to receive a middleweight title shot. It remains to be seen if the No. 2-ranked middleweight will be open to facing 'Borz' or if he will wait for an opportunity to reclaim the middleweight title.
Watch Khamzat Chimaev discuss facing Robert Whittaker below (starting at the 3:15 mark):