Khamzat Chimaev Rates Potential Opponent Gilbert Burns

Khamzat, who is currently on an unbeaten streak in the UFC, is set to challenge Gilbert Burns around March if the fight goes through in a bid to get a title shot. Even after a recent first-round win against Ji Langliang, a match-up against Gilbert Burns will be a significant step up for Chimaev. Many fans and pundits wonder if Chimaev will find it difficult against the Brazilian size and power when he steps into the Octagon.

However, in a recent interview, Khamzat Chimaev noted that Gilbert Burns’ stats, size, and records do not give him any additional points on the ‘threat’ meter. He said in this regard:

“All those numbers mean nothing, To be honest, I don’t see a real challenge in him. We’ll see. Everything may happen in a fight, but I’m confident, as usual. I think I will just smash him with my skills and power. I feel that way. He might feel different, but I will go there and do what I did the last time.”- Chimaev said.

It’s no secret that Khamzat Chimaev has accomplished some spectacular feats during his UFC career. He is proving to be one of the best strikers in the UFC and has his sights set on conquering the division. The Swedish-born fighter now has GOAT ambitions, as he seeks a super fight with the indefatigable Phenom Kamaru Usman.

Should the proposed fight with Burns go ahead and Chimaev eventually emerge victorious, his camp thinks he would be facing the winner of the UFC 272 main event between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, either as a No. 1 contender fight or potentially for an interim welterweight title.

Chimaev Speaks on Welterweights

“I think they will give us a great fight,” Chimaev said on Masvidal vs. Covington. “Masvidal is a slight favorite for me, but Colby is also a tough guy. He fights well. We’ll see. I think it’s 50-50.”

“I don’t care which one of them wins. I am fighting Burns now, then, after beating Burns, hopefully I will fight the winner of Masvidal-Covington because it seems like Usman has a hand injury and needs time to recover.

Kamaru Usman, the king of the welterweight division, and Khamzat Chimaev have had quite a war of words over the months. Chimaev has stated many times he hopes that leads to a massive stadium event with plans to strip the title off Usman.

“I hope he will recover soon, so I am waiting for this guy, too. Looking forward to fighting him. But for now, I think the winner of my fight with Gilbert will fight the winner of Masvidal-Covington for the interim title or just for the No. 1 contender spot, and then Usman should come back, and we will fight him. This looks like a good plan to me.”

The UFC president Dana White declared Leon Edwards as the No. 1 contender, but Chimaev will look to stake his claim against Burns in a matchup that isn’t yet official but is being discussed for UFC 273 on April 9.

Do you think Khamzat Chimaev is overrated or does he have the potential to strip the title off Kamaru Usman?

Follow me on Twitter @DrSolar3 for more sports news and discussions. Also, make sure to follow @OT_Heroics for all your sporting needs and @OTHeroicsMMA for all things mixed martial arts!