Khamzat Chimaev’s recent performance at UFC 319 in Chicago, where he dominated Dricus du Plessis to secure the middleweight title, propelled him into the spotlight as one of the top fighters in MMA. Following this victory, the undefeated Chechen striker was placed at No. 4 on the UFC pound-for-pound list, but former champion Daniel Cormier believes he deserves a higher ranking.
Cormier expressed during his Pound 4 Pound show on ESPN MMA that Chimaev’s style and accomplishments place him firmly within the top three fighters in the UFC’s pound-for-pound ladder. He highlighted Chimaev’s success across multiple weight classes, noting his welterweight achievements before moving up to middleweight and becoming a champion.
I think, Chael, he should be number three,
Cormier said. What it means, pound-for-pound, is your fight style transcends weight classes.
Cormier referenced Chimaev’s victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and his near title shot at 170 pounds as reasons why ‘Borz’ should rank above bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who has only fought in one division.
Because of those things, I think he falls right in line with Islam and Ilia Topuria, right in front of Merab Dvalishvili,
Cormier added.
Merab has only fought at bantamweight. Granted he’s had more success than anyone we’ve seen in a long time, it’s still only one weight class.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Own Perspective on Pound-for-Pound Rankings
Merab Dvalishvili, nicknamed ‘The Machine,’ has shown humility regarding his ranking among the UFC pound-for-pound elite. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he acknowledged the talents of several champions he believes deserve higher spots.
Dvalishvili ranked Ilia Topuria as number one, followed by Islam Makhachev, then Alexandre Pantoja at number three, placing himself at number four.
Right now, I will say Ilia. Number one,
Dvalishvili said. Number two, Islam.
I will say number three, Pantoja…Number four is good (for me).
I have to be (humble) because I don’t wanna overlook my opponents,
he added.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Impact on UFC Pound-for-Pound Discussions
Chimaev’s rapid rise and dominant performances at UFC 319 have stirred debate throughout the MMA community about the pound-for-pound rankings. His ability to win convincingly in different weight classes has earned him significant respect and elevated his status within the UFC’s elite roster.
This debate highlights the complexity of ranking fighters who perform well in multiple divisions against those who have been consistently dominant in a single weight class. While Chimaev’s victories, including notable wins over former champions, suggest he belongs in the top tier, others, like Dvalishvili, recognize the value of sustained success within one division.
As Chimaev continues to defend his middleweight title and potentially pursue fights across multiple classes, his positioning in pound-for-pound rankings will remain a topic of interest for analysts, fighters, and fans alike.