UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev proved his reliability with two record-setting wins.
Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most dominant forces in modern Mixed Martial Arts after an unbeaten start to his professional career. After getting the call to debut in the UFC in 2020, Chimaev chomped at the bit to get started, and it didn’t take long for him to make his presence felt in the UFC history books.
Chimaev made his UFC debut against John Phillips in a middleweight bout in July 2020, during one of the promotion’s first cards on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. After a back-and-forth first round, Chimaev tapped Phillips with a brabo choke in Round 2 to kick off his UFC career.
Hours after his UFC debut win, Chimaev accepted another fight in the Octagon, set for 10 days later.
Khamzat Chimaev won two fights in 10 days to set ridiculous UFC record
Chimaev barely had time to strategize with his team for his second UFC fight against Rhys McKee at another UFC Fight Island card. But despite the record-setting turnaround, Chimaev delivered with flying colors and showcased his ridiculous potential.
Chimaev fought with a high sense of urgency against McKee after fighting at less than 100 percent in the Octagon due to fatigue suffered against Phillips just days earlier. He quickly got a hold of McKee, pressed him up against the fence, and eventually secured a big takedown.
When Chimaev got McKee to the ground, he followed up with absolutely brutal ground-and-pound that left McKee grasping for air. Minutes later, Chimaev walked away with the TKO victory to set the UFC record for quickest turnaround between victories.
Several other UFC fighters have since come close to matching Chimaev’s record, including Loopy Godinez, but none have surpassed it. It’s a feat that may never be accomplished in the UFC again due to the massive fighter roster and event schedule.
Khamzat Chimaev called out by top middleweight for interim title bout
Fastforwarding to 2025, Chimaev is on the cusp of a middleweight title shot against Dricus du Plessis, but it may not come to fruition soon after a rumored delay. As first reported by MMA journalist Kevin Iole, du Plessis suffered an injury that could indefinitely postpone his timeline for his next title defense, presumably against Chimaev.
If Chimaev opts not to wait much longer to fight, UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho is happy to oblige. Chimaev and Borralho allegedly agreed to square off in an interim title bout during du Plessis’s absence from competition.
As of this writing, the UFC hasn’t booked or announced anything regarding Chimaev’s next fight and du Plessis’s health status. Du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 312 earlier this year in his most recent title defense.
After Chimaev mocked du Plessis for his reported injury issues, it didn’t take long for du Plessis to hit back. Chimaev has also mocked Borralho in recent days by reminding the talented Brazilian about their past sparring sessions.
Chimaev could be weeks away from his UFC return, whether it’s against du Plessis or another top name. In the meantime, it’s best not to question Chimaev’s ability to take short-notice fights with great success.
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