It appears UFC’s Khamzat Chimaev will have to challenge a new fighter for his possible return this summer.
After shocking the MMA world with an apparent retirement post a few weeks ago, “Borz” seemingly reversed course on Tuesday by saying he was “coming back”.
Chimaev (9-0) has had an opponent in mind, No. 9 ranked welterweight Neil Magny (24-8). After pulling out of his March fight against Leon Edwards due to lingering effects from COVID-19, Chimaev said he was aiming for a June return. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported that Chimaev now hopes to return in July against Magny.
On Magny’s end, he said he’s not willing to wait around for the Russian. Although “The Haitian Sensation” interested in the fight, he would have to wait at least another few months to get back inside the Octagon. Speaking with MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin, Magny wrote, “I will fight him any day of the week. But there’s no way I’m putting my career on hold so that he could hopefully fight me in July. He needs to focus on getting healthy first. The a** whooping he’s been asking for is long over due, and is waiting on him.”
Neil Magny tells me he’s definitely down to fight Khamzat Chimaev but July is a long time away:
#UFC
GettyNeil Magny punches Anthony Rocco Martin in their welterweight bout during the UFC 250 event at UFC APEX on June 06, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Magny & Chimaev Had a Back & Forth On Social Media After Magny’s Last Fight
The UFC posted photos after Magny’s main event fight against Michael Chiesa at UFC Fight Island 8 on January 20. “Maverick” dominated Magny most of the fight with his grappling game and won via unanimous decision (49-46 x3).
Chimaev reacted to the UFC’s post that night, tagging Magny’s name and writing the otter and laughing emojis.
“Make sure you keep that same energy when you see me in person!” Magny responded to Borz’s tweet. “I’ll give you my word, that I’m [slapping] you on sight and teaching some respect!”
@KChimaev @MikeMav22 Make sure you keep that same energy when you see me in person! I’ll give you my word, that I’m slaaping you on sight 👋 and teaching some respect!
Nearly a month later, Chimaev replied to Magny’s comment. The Russian wrote, “Be ready in June i’m going to give you real Chechen inside the cage and outside.” Borz also tagged UFC president Dana White and matchmaker Sean Shelby.
Chimaev then followed his post up with one word, “Slap.”
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Magny & Chimaev Both Won 3 UFC Fights in 2020
GettyKhamzat Chimaev of Czechia (L) punches Rhys McKee of Northern Ireland in their welterweight fight on July 25 at Yas Island.
After more than a year layoff, Magny returned to the UFC’s Octagon in June 2020 and got back on the winning track, defeating Li Jingliang via unanimous decision. He would then go on to win two more bouts by unanimous decision, beating Anthony Rocco Martin and former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.
The Haitian Sensation’s three-fight win streak came to end when he was defeated by Chiesa in January.
Chimaev made his UFC debut in July 2020, winning two fights in a span of 10 days. He submitted John Phillips in the second round at middleweight and then finished Rhys McKee via first-round TKO at welterweight. In September, Borz earned his third UFC win by knocking out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds at 185 pounds. Borz has been scheduled to fight Leon Edwards three times since then, but the fight has fallen through every time.
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Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Plan Denied: ‘No Way’