As UFC 319 approaches, questions have circulated about Khamzat Chimaev’s future, but the undefeated contender has dismissed retirement rumors, confirming his commitment to the sport and ambitions across multiple weight divisions. This has ignited excitement around a possible Khamzat Chimaev super fight with Islam Makhachev, a matchup that had not been widely anticipated until recently.
Chimaev Eyes Path to Pound-for-Pound Supremacy with Potential Makhachev Showdown
Khamzat Chimaev, who has grappled with health setbacks and travel difficulties that stalled his rise, is now ready to compete for the middleweight title on August 16. Despite many expecting him to remain at 185 pounds, Chimaev has expressed a desire to test himself at different weights, including returning to welterweight or moving beyond middleweight should he succeed.
Speculation about a future fight against Islam Makhachev emerged as Chimaev addressed the possibility during his training camp. Makhachev, likely to face welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden this November, represents a formidable opponent in another division.
Chimaev commented on the prospect, saying,
“We will see who is going to be the champ there, but I don’t know, It’s the fastest way, if the guy wins the fight, fastest way to get the pound-for-pound number one.”
—Khamzat Chimaev
Mixed Fan Reactions to the Prospect of Chimaev Versus Makhachev
Fans voiced a variety of opinions following Chimaev’s remarks on a potential super fight with Islam Makhachev. While some raised concerns about the middleweight contender dropping back down a division, many embraced the idea of witnessing two champions face off, regardless of physical size differences.
The passionate fanbase expressed their excitement in social media and forums with comments such as,
“Now that would be a sick fight,”
and
“This fight would break records, I’d like to see it happen.”
Several fans emphasized the magnitude of this potential clash, claiming it would overshadow other high-profile UFC matchups.
One comment highlighted,
“Now this ladies and gentleman. This is the fight everyone wants to see. This would be bigger than Sean [O’Malley] vs Merab [Dvalishvili].”
Others added,
“Ok now THIS would be a CRAZY fight!!!”
and,
“Islam vs Khamzat would feed families, I hope Islam’s the underdog.”
Chimaev’s mention of the fight on social media was captured in a tweet by Championship Rounds quoting him directly:
“We will see who’s gonna be the champ [at welterweight]. I don’t know. It’s the fastest way, if the guy wins the fight, to get pound-for-pound #1.”
—@ChampRDS
Implications of a Super Fight for UFC’s Divisional Landscape
The possibility of a matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Islam Makhachev carries significant weight for the UFC’s welterweight and lightweight divisions. Both fighters are considered among the elite and new champions may soon be crowned, which could lead to a reshuffling at the top. Chimaev’s expressed intent to compete across weight classes suggests a willingness to unify or defend titles, potentially setting up high-stakes bouts that generate considerable audience interest.
With Makhachev expected to fight for the welterweight championship later this year and Chimaev aiming for the middleweight belt in August, a future clash between the two could be not just a fight for supremacy but also a landmark event in UFC history. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these developments unfold, anticipating how these champions’ paths might intersect after UFC 319.