UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has made a bold declaration about his future fighting schedule. The undefeated champion stated he is ready to step into the octagon every three months, signaling an ambitious plan for his reign at the top of the division.
Chimaev, who represents the United Arab Emirates, recently secured the middleweight title. His statement comes after a period of preparation for a scheduled bout against Sean Strickland. However, that fight was delayed due to unforeseen complications with his visa, which prevented him from competing as planned.
"I was preparing for a long time [for the fight against Strickland], but first there were problems with the visa. Now we are ready. I can fight every three months," Chimaev was quoted as saying by the MMA Pros Pick account on the social media platform X.
The 32-year-old champion's record speaks for itself. Chimaev is one of only 16 fighters in the history of the UFC to capture a championship belt while maintaining a perfect professional record. His dominance in the cage has been a defining feature of his career.
Since turning professional in 2018, the fighter known as "Borz" has compiled an impressive 15-0 record. Of those 15 victories, a staggering 12 have come by way of finish, showcasing his ability to end fights decisively and avoid the judges' scorecards.
Chimaev's willingness to compete frequently is a significant statement for the middleweight division. A champion who fights three times a year would be highly active by modern UFC standards, potentially leading to a more dynamic and rapidly evolving title picture.
The champion's focus now appears to be on staying healthy and navigating the logistical hurdles that previously sidelined him. With the visa issues reportedly resolved, the path seems clear for him to embark on the active championship campaign he has outlined.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.