Max Holloway dominates list as Khamzat Chimaev builds his ideal MMA fighter [VIDEO]
Khamzat Chimaev has not competed in over a year, having entered the octagon in October 2023 when he defeated Kamaru Usman, who moved up a weight class on short notice, via majority decision at UFC 294. The No. 13-ranked middleweight is set to make his highly-anticipated return when he faces Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 this weekend.
'Borz' recently built his ideal mixed martial artist while speaking to ESPN MMA, including Max Holloway on the list twice. The sports media company shared the post on X, captioning it:
"Khamzat Chimaev built his ideal MMA fighter 👊 #UFC308 💥 Striking: Alex Pereira 💥 Wrestling: Khamzat Chimaev 💥 Chin: Max Holloway 💥 Cardio: Max Holloway 💥 On-mic talent: Khamzat Chimaev"
Check out footage of Khamzat Chimaev building his ideal MMA fighter below:
Chimaev will look to remain undefeated - and potentially earn the first title opportunity of his mixed martial arts career - when he faces No. 3-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker in the co-main event of UFC 308. Meanwhile, Max Holloway will look to reclaim the featherweight title - after being atop the division from June 2017 to December 2019 - when he faces Ilia Topuria in the main event.
Khamzat Chimaev clears air on rumored visa issues
Khamzat Chimaev last competed in the United States in September 2022, defeating Kevin Holland via first-round submission at UFC 279. That led to rumors that the No.13-ranked middleweight to enter the country. He recently labeled that chatter as false, sharing the real reason for his extended inactivity, which has now spanned over a year.
Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, 'Borz' claimed:
"I've been in the U.S. and can come to the U.S., but a lot of s**t things happened in my life. Being sick, surgeries, so that's why I've [not] been fighting like I did before all the time. Abu Dhabi being close to me, I want to head there, just jump in and fight here... I've been in England, I've been in U.K., U.S. I'm going to go to Australia soon, as well, in December. I can be anywhere so I don't know who has a problem with me."
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments on entering the United States below (5:42):
Chimaev's UFC 308 clash with Robert Whittaker will mark his second consecutive bout in Abu Dhabi. He was also scheduled to face 'The Reaper' in Saudi Arabia, however, he was forced to withdraw due to illness.