Michael Chiesa

UFC: Khamzat Chimaev to headline against highly ranked opponent

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The UFC‘s newest budding superstar is getting a main event slot in his next fight. This week, Dana White confirmed that Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) would be headlining a card in his next trip inside the octagon.

However, the promotion hadn’t finalized an opponent. Originally, the UFC was talking about Chimaev fighting Demian Maia after he fought Gerald Meerschaert. Chimaev demolished Meerschaert in 14 seconds last Saturday at UFC Vegas 11.

While that was the original plans, the promotion has different names in mind. Yesterday, Combate came out with a report that stated that Chimaev would be taking on Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson on December 19th.

However, this fight has not been finalized per Dana White. But, the promotion has offered the fight to Thompson. Wonderboy seems more interested in fighting Leon Edwards who he recently called out per White.

Who will the UFC have fight Chimaev?

Neil Magny came out yesterday and said that he wanted to be the one that the UFC had fight Chimaev next. However, the promotion seems to be looking higher in the rankings than Magny. White said that Leon Edwards wouldn’t be an option for Chimaev.

If Wonderboy doesn’t take the fight, the UFC only has a few more options for Chimaev. They could go with Magny, but they could also pivot back to Demian Maia who’s currently ranked sixth in the division. One spot behind Thompson as of last week’s update.

Michael Chiesa could be another name that the UFC could target. However, I think Maia still makes the most sense given the fight’s headlining status. I think a fight with Maia would bring more eyes as opposed to Chiesa or Magny.

Perhaps the promotion could talk Wonderboy into the fight. Although, a fight with Wonderboy and Leon Edwards makes a ton of sense. The promotion is currently working on it, but we do not that Chimaev will headline in December, we just don’t know who it will be against yet.

UFC: Khamzat Chimaev wants another quick turnaround

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If there was one fighter that became a star from the UFC‘s trip to Fight Island it was Khamzat Chimaev (8-0). Chimaev fought twice in ten days, smashing both of his opponents.

The numbers that Chimaev put up in his first couple of fights were just insane. Chimaev outstruck his two opponents 192-2 in his two fights. Think about that dominance for just a second. Chimaev is an absolute animal.

The one thing that Dana White loves is a fighter who’s hungry, and Chimaev is definitely hungry. “Borz” has been begging White for another fight at UFC 252. White seems to be all for it saying, “He wants to fight now again in August. I’m going to get him what he wants.”

Top UFC contender now?

Chimaev currently only has eight fights, but he doesn’t look like someone who’s still trying to figure it out. He looks like a killer already and he’s hungry to keep fighting.

Chimaev’s smooth confidence is another thing that is going to make him extremely popular with fans. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani said yesterday he believes that Chimaev can already compete with the top five of the UFC‘s welterweight division.

The UFC is trying to get Chimaev a fight, but it looks like he’s already been throwing a few names out there.

Chimaev has called out former title challenger, Demian Maia (28-10) and top ten UFC contender, Michael Chiesa (17-4). To be honest, I think Chimaev beats both of them right now.

I’m on the same boat as Helwani in my belief in this guy. Maia presents an interesting challenge considering his grappling capabilities, but it’s going to be hard to submit a guy with the level of output as Chimaev.

I think you’re going to see Chimaev get fast-tracked. With his skillset, I think he would fair better on this track than others with more of a striking background would. He’s a problem for anyone that steps across the octagon from him.

 

 

UFC: Geoff Neal returns to waiting tables due to lack of fights available

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One of the most exciting fights in the UFC’s welterweight division has returned to his second job due to a lack of fights. Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal (13-2) is currently sitting on the sidelines waiting for a fight. The 11th ranked welterweight in the world has been an absolute monster since making his UFC debut, but unfortunately, the promotion cannot get him a fight. With a lack of income coming in, Neal has had to take up a job as a server at a steakhouse in Texas.

“I tell people I’m in purgatory in my career. I’m ranked number 11, not in the top 10 yet. I don’t have a big following behind me, so everybody that I want to fight doesn’t want to fight me because I’m a big risk. I’m somebody who knocks people out so I’m dangerous for their stock. So I see why they don’t want to accept the fight with me. But it’s still bullshit, I need to get paid, but I’m just sitting out here waiting,” Neal told The Score.

What should the UFC do?

Even more frustrating for Neal is the fact that many of the men he’s defeated have been active including Belal Muhammad and Mike Perry. For now, Neal continues to wait for the UFC to call him with an opponent that would appeal to him. In looking at the rankings, there are a couple of fights that might make sense that the UFC could pull together. Maybe they could pair Neal with Raphael Dos Anjos (29-13). Dos Anjos is coming off of back-to-back losses, but it would be a fight that would give Neal a guy with some name recognition. Another possibility could be Anthony Pettis (23-10). This wouldn’t be a step up in rankings for Neal, but it would give him someone to fight with some name recognition.

The one that makes the most sense to me is a fight with Michael Chiesa (17-4). Chiesa has won three in a row on his way to the eighth ranking in the division. Neal suggested that Chiesa is a guy he wants to fight, but he believes that Chiesa is scared to fight him. I’m not sure what the UFC is going to do, but they need to get Neal a fight soon. He’s too good and on too much of a roll to just sit on the sidelines. You can catch Neal’s full interview below.

https://youtu.be/hXLcrAbBRfk?t=2631