Khamzat Chimaev has built a reputation as a formidable UFC boogeyman during his undefeated 14-0 MMA run, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. The Russian competitor is set to challenge for the middleweight title at UFC 319, scheduled for Saturday night, demonstrating his dominance inside the Octagon. Chimaev’s brutal victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, where he secured a rear-naked choke that shattered Whittaker’s teeth, underscores just how threatening he remains to his opponents.
Despite this, UFC veteran Brian Stann has identified another fighter as currently standing above all others as MMA’s biggest boogeyman.
Brian Stann’s Top Three Fighters to Fear in the UFC
Making his return as a commentator for the upcoming Du Plessis vs. Chimaev bout, Brian Stann shared his list of the UFC’s top three boogeymen during the UFC 319 Weigh-In Show. To many, his selection came as a surprise, as the lightweight champion Ilia Topuria was placed at the very top of the rankings.
“Topuria is number one on my list,”
Stann explained.
The crazy thing is, as wealthy as he is, as successful as he is, he’s still showing up really focused and really hungry.
—Brian Stann, UFC legend and commentator
Following Topuria, Stann named Khamzat Chimaev as the second most feared fighter, acknowledging Chimaev’s evident threat in the UFC landscape.
“Finally, Tom Aspinall. How can he not be on that list? Nobody wants to fight him. He’s been waiting to fight for some time now. He’s definitely the heavyweight boogeyman.”
—Brian Stann, UFC legend and commentator
Early Prediction of Khamzat Chimaev’s Impact by Brian Stann
Brian Stann foresaw Khamzat Chimaev’s rapid rise long before the fighter’s UFC debut, forecasting his potential in 2017 during a fan Q&A ahead of UFC Fight Night: Auckland. At that time, Stann referred to an up-and-coming welterweight from Sweden, training at Sweden MMA All-Stars alongside Alexander Gustafsson, whom he had heard impressive reports about.
“There’s a welterweight in Sweden, at Sweden MMA All-Stars, that trains Alexander Gustafsson,”
Stann said.
“I don’t know his name. I just know him by reputation.”
—Brian Stann, UFC legend and commentator
Though not yet signed to the UFC back then, Stann sensed the fighter’s potential to shake up the division, expressing optimism about his future impact.
“When we get this kid signed, I think he’s going to make some real waves.”
—Brian Stann, UFC legend and commentator
The Growing Threat of Khamzat Chimaev and Fellow Contenders
Khamzat Chimaev’s steady ascent within the UFC is a testament to his skill and relentless pursuit of victory, positioning him squarely as one of the organization’s key figures to watch. His upcoming middleweight title shot at UFC 319 will mark a significant milestone in his career and could alter the division’s power dynamics. Meanwhile, Brian Stann’s highlighting of Ilia Topuria and Tom Aspinall reinforces the intense competition at the top levels, suggesting fans will witness fierce battles among these dominant figures in the near future.