UFC middleweight fighter Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov has expressed significant skepticism about the anticipated UFC title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis, predicting the contest will be one-sided. Magomedov made these remarks ahead of his own return to competition this weekend at UFC Abu Dhabi, where he faces Marc-Andre Barriault after suffering his first professional loss earlier this year.
Magomedov, who lost by unanimous decision to Michael ‘Venom’ Page in February at UFC Saudi Arabia, had previously won his first four UFC fights. His upcoming bout marks a critical moment as UFC fans await the major middleweight showdown between champion Dricus du Plessis and undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.
Reasons Behind Magomedov’s Prediction Favoring Khamzat Chimaev
Dricus du Plessis is set to defend his UFC middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter who has rapidly risen through the ranks since his promotional debut in 2020. Chimaev remains unbeaten in his professional career and recently defeated former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, enhancing his reputation as a formidable contender in the 185-pound division.
Despite this, Chimaev will be facing challenges, including the possibility of fighting beyond the third round for the first time in his UFC career. Nonetheless, Magomedov voiced little confidence in du Plessis’s chances to hold on to his championship during a pre-fight press conference for UFC Abu Dhabi.
As I said before, Dricus is in very good, strong hands in this fight,
Magomedov remarked.
We’ll make sure to remember his name with two seconds of silence, afterwards.
—Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov
While du Plessis’s style has often been the subject of ridicule, his success in the Octagon cannot be denied. Magomedov’s pointed prediction reflects Chimaev’s growing status in the UFC middleweight division and fuels anticipation for the UFC 319 event, which will reveal whether the champion can withstand Chimaev’s challenge.
Intensifying Rivalry Between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa
Meanwhile, tensions have escalated outside the cage between Khamzat Chimaev and former UFC title challenger Paulo Costa. Costa has openly challenged Chimaev following his recent victory over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318, suggesting they might meet in the Octagon before their respective careers end.
This rivalry has a controversial history, as Costa previously accused Chimaev of harassing his girlfriend through direct messages prior to their scheduled bout at UFC 294—a fight that was canceled due to Costa’s injury withdrawal.
Their latest exchanges mean that depending on the outcomes of UFC 318 and UFC 319, a potential showdown between Costa and Chimaev could be on the horizon, with speculation about whether this conflict will be resolved inside the cage or elsewhere.
Upcoming Developments and Potential Impact on the UFC Middleweight Division
The UFC middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is shaping up to be a defining moment in the division’s history. Magomedov’s blunt forecast adds drama and raises expectations for a swift and decisive result in favor of Chimaev. Fans and analysts will be closely watching UFC 319 to see if the unbeaten challenger can indeed dominate and claim the middleweight belt.
At the same time, the ongoing feud between Chimaev and Costa introduces another compelling storyline, potentially setting up future high-stakes bouts that could further shake up the landscape of UFC middleweights.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Currently, Khamzat Chimaev’s estimated wealth is around $3 million. At 30 years old, he is a very rich and famous figure in Russia. The MMA star remains undefeated with 14 professional wins, 12 ending before the final round.
Q. What illness does Khamzat Chimaev have?
A. In December 2020, a 30-year-old caught Covid and has since dealt with long-term symptoms, managing only four fights in four years. Now, Chimaev also has to keep both himself and his young son healthy.
Q. Does Khamzat Chimaev have a disease?
A. A 30-year-old got Covid in December 2020 and has been dealing with its long-term effects, having only fought four times in four years.