Israel Adesanya is not interested in fighting Khamzat Chimaev just yet but that might change very soon.
This weekend, Chimaev will face the toughest opponent of his career in a featured welterweight contest against Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. A dominant win over Burns could very well land Chimaev in the title picture, but ‘Borz’ has more ambitious goals than just becoming the champion.
The Chechen has made it very clear that he plans on taking the middleweight belt from “zero wrestling” Adesanya one day, and stated that it is even an easier fight than Kamaru Usman. But “The Last Stylebender” isn’t taking that challenge very seriously just yet.
“This guy fights at welterweight. He’s fought at middleweight one time. And he fought a low-ranked guy.” Adesanya said.
However, Izzy wants Chimaev to assert his dominance against a middleweight to get recognized as a potential threat to the 185lbs division.
During an appearance on the Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson podcast, Adesanya said:
“He definitely can beat some middleweights but I’m like, show me something. Show me something. His last fight was impressive. I might not like you, but if I’m impressed by what you do, I will give you props.”
Israel Adesanya is not threatened by Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev is undoubtedly one of the most hyped prospects in the UFC currently. The Chechen has fought at both middleweight and welterweight inside the UFC, and notably, has only absorbed one significant strike in his four fights in his UFC career.
Just like prime McGregor, many believe that Chimaev has the potential to become a multi-division champion. But first, he needs to beat Gilbert Burns this weekend to get into the title picture against Adesanya.
“I need some fresh blood. He’s fresh blood where I’m like, show me something. I love what he’s doing at 170 but show me something.” Adesanya said.
But Adesanya stated that Chimaev is not the first man to doubt him, just like Derek Brunson, Marvin Vettori, and Paulo Costa did, only to get humbled by Izzy later.
On the other hand, Chimaev would love to share the octagon with Adesanya in a potential title clash in the near future.
According to the Chechnya-born Swede, ‘The Last Stylebender‘ is similar to him, as he too, wants to take on the toughest fighters inside the octagon.
During the media day for the upcoming UFC 273, Khamzat said:
“Izzy is more fresh and young like me. I think he wants me as well because he already fought everyone at [middleweight]. He’s like me. He wants to fight everyone. I want to do the same.”
