As UFC 319 approaches, heated discussions surround Khamzat Chimaev’s potential middleweight title win and the challenges that could follow. Analysts remain divided on whether Chimaev’s rise signals a reliable reign or if lingering issues could hinder the UFC’s plans, highlighting ongoing concerns about his ability to maintain activity as champion.
Optimism from Experts on Managing Chimaev’s Rise Despite Setbacks
Josh Thomson and John McCarthy recently voiced confidence that Khamzat Chimaev’s progression toward the middleweight title can be handled without jeopardizing the UFC’s interests. On the Weighing In podcast, both addressed worries voiced by other analysts by emphasizing that any complications could be mitigated if the promotion adopts a flexible strategy. McCarthy pointed to Chimaev’s record-setting initial schedule, which was disrupted by health and visa difficulties, but argued these obstacles are surmountable.
McCarthy explained the UFC’s flexibility in scheduling, especially when considering international venues:
“Khamzat was a guy that was going to have more fights than anyone. He has run into problems with visas, and that is a problem for the UFC, but they can always get around those problems because the UFC is the one that decides where they put their fights. Will it be a problem if Khamzat beats DDP? No. They’ll work with it. They’ll work at getting him visas in the States so they can do fights here with him. And if they can’t, they’ve got plenty of places they can go and take their champion to do fights for the middleweight title.”
—John McCarthy, MMA Analyst
Thomson acknowledged some health concerns but remained cautiously optimistic. He highlighted the importance of middleweight division activity, noting how inactivity in other divisions has caused problems for the UFC:
“I do get concerned that if he is ill, if he is sick, if he’s having health problems, that does scare me a little bit. We’ve already gone through the heavyweight division being held up. The 205 division is lagging… The middleweight division finally has some activity… I understand what Dean’s talking about, but I’m not quite convinced it’ll happen.”
—Josh Thomson, MMA Expert
Rising Doubts Highlighted by UFC Analyst Over Chimaev’s Champion Reliability
On the other side of the debate, UFC analyst Din Thomas expressed serious reservations about Chimaev’s ability to sustain a dependable championship reign if he wins the title. Speaking with MMA journalist Mike Bohh, Thomas emphasized the scarcity of Chimaev’s recent fights — only five since September 2020 — as a major concern for trustworthiness in defending the belt.
Thomas paints a scenario where a promising title win could quickly turn into logistical and promotional challenges for the UFC, given the unpredictability of Chimaev’s fight schedule. He warned:
“If Khamzat wins, it’s a disaster. You can’t tell me a part of you isn’t just thinking, ‘This fight might not actually happen.’… Some of these guys habitually struggle in just making it to the dance… I’m not going to be pessimistic about it and will say he’s going to show up. But if he does show up and he’s able to win, do we trust him to be able to show up and fight again? That’s the thing.”
—Din Thomas, UFC Analyst
The concerns argue that while Chimaev’s talent and potential are undeniable, the UFC could face complications in maintaining momentum within the middleweight division if he cannot consistently defend the title. This is especially sensitive given the division’s recent efforts to regain prominence after slow periods in others.
The Road Ahead: Implications for UFC’s Middleweight Division
The debate about Khamzat Chimaev UFC title concerns reflects broader anxieties about athlete availability and event scheduling in MMA promotions. Should Chimaev defy the skeptics by winning and then defending the title regularly, the UFC’s gamble could pay off by reinvigorating the middleweight division. Conversely, ongoing delays and absences could stall progress and frustrate fans.
With McCarthy advocating for adaptive venue planning and Thomson cautiously hopeful despite health questions, the UFC’s strategy will likely focus on safeguarding its investment in Chimaev. Meanwhile, critics like Din Thomas urge vigilance, underscoring the importance of consistent fight activity to preserve championship legitimacy. UFC 319 thus stands not only as a pivotal moment for Chimaev’s career but also as a test of the promotion’s ability to manage emerging talent amid unpredictable challenges.