Khamzat Chimaev is the real deal.
“Borz” obliterated former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the UFC 308 pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event on Sat. (Oct. 26) from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, dragging “The Reaper” to the ground and locking up a fight-ending submission at 3:34 of the very first frame.
With the victory, Chimaev improves to 14-0 with 12 finishes.
His record, along with his victory over the former champion, should be enough to land “Borz” the next crack at the 185-pound crown. UFC CEO Dana White originally promised that spot to one-and-done titleholder Sean Strickland — but also left the door open for Chimaev with a big performance at UFC 308.
Doesn’t get any bigger than this.
I would much rather see Chimaev move on to face current champion Dricus Du Plessis in early 2025 — assuming he can stay healthy — because he’s proven to be the more exciting fighter over the last few years. Strickland likes to tease bloody wars in the buildup to his fights but has gone to a judges’ decision in seven of his last 10 victories.
He’s also an obnoxious creep.
“Tarzan” regularly degrades “fat women” and mocks the LGBTQ community on social media — when he’s not busy assaulting fans during pre-fight photo ops. Even his fellow fighters admit Strickland embarrasses the company with his public persona and grotesque personal admissions about masturbation and murder.
Chimaev is not without his flaws, but he delivers when it counts.
“I’m going for the belt,” Chimaev said after the fight. “Thanks Robert, I love you my brother. You’re a legend. No one wants to fight with me. All the champions running from me. Dana, what’s wrong with UFC man, give me the belt!”
Strickland has yet to comment on Chimaev’s performance.
