Khamzat Chimaev’s presence in the UFC has been nothing short of electrifying. At just 13-0 in MMA and 7-0 in the UFC, he is increasingly becoming a significant player in the middleweight division. Scheduled to face former champion Robert Whittaker in the co-main event at UFC 308, Chimaev finds himself at an intersection of opportunity and uncertainty. While UFC CEO Dana White has other plans for the immediate title picture, the potential for Chimaev to leapfrogged on the list of title contenders looms large, especially if he achieves a decisive victory.
The Current State of the Middleweight Division
Dricus Du Plessis currently holds the middleweight title, having recently submitted another former champion, Israel Adesanya. With the announcement that Du Plessis’s next title defense will likely be against Sean Strickland, the landscape of the middleweight division seems momentarily settled. However, in the world of the UFC, situations can quickly evolve, and rankings are often subject to change based on recent performances. Chimaev, a fighter known for his quick finish rate and imposing grappling abilities, is in a prime position to disrupt those plans if he can come through against Whittaker.
Chimaev’s seemingly unstoppable rise has been punctuated by challenges, predominantly due to health issues that have hindered his fight schedule. After a victorious outing against Gilbert Burns in April 2022, a health scare linked to COVID-19 and a disastrous weight cut for a fight against Nate Diaz led to long periods of inactivity. His wrestling prowess and knockout potential make him a more than deserving contender; however, the hindrance of these battles outside the octagon weighs heavily.
Despite these setbacks, Chimaev’s attitude toward his career remains enthusiastic. He recognizes the unpredictability of fight promotions and the elusive nature of title shots, stating, “I hope so, but they said that before, as well.” His history in the UFC underscores the merit of patience coupled with performances that demand attention.
Chimaev has also addressed his financial well-being, asserting that the wealth he’s generated in the UFC has not diluted his competitive spirit. Though it would be easy for a fighter to feel less motivated after achieving financial success, Chimaev claims, “I’m staying humble as I was before.” This perspective may serve him well as he strives for a championship title that many fans believe he deserves.
Saturday’s fight against Whittaker represents a crucial moment for Chimaev. Victory could be the ticket to a title shot, but it is also a reminder of the hurdles that have dotted his journey thus far. As fans anticipate the bout, they are reminded that in the UFC, nothing is guaranteed, making every fight an opportunity to reshape the narrative. Chimaev’s future remains promising, but the fight against Whittaker could be the defining chapter of his career—or it could just lead to another challenging detour.