UFC’s rising superstar Khamzat Chimaev might be a thorn in their side soon enough. Even though Khamzat Chimaev is currently on a fast track to become UFC champion it might not end the way UFC would it prefer it.
Recently, the Chechen-born Swede revealed a promise he made to his mother regarding retirement.
The ‘Borz’ has had a smooth run within the promotion, finishing 4 of his opponents in the first round and having only absorbed a single significant strike so far.
While Chimaev is making noise in both welterweight and middleweight divisions, he set his eyes on the light heavyweight division, targeting to be the first three-division UFC champion.
“I don’t want to be just a regular guy who won one belt.”
“I want two or three belts. We’ll see, if I can do it I will do it. We may make our plans, but God has the last word.” said Chimaev.
Despite the huge goal, the 27-year-old has revealed that he promised his mother he would hang up the gloves once he achieves his goal.
“My mother thinks I become a champion after each fight I win. I did promise I will retire when I become a legit champion. So my goal is to be #1 and then I will retire.” he said.
It is still unclear whether this promise relates to the goal of becoming a three division champion or if it’s more short term.
Despite that, the path ahead for Chimaev to become “the number one” is still far from easy.
He will face his biggest test this weekend at UFC 273.
A veteran of 16 UFC fights, the No.2 contender Gilbert Burns has been undefeated in his welterweight run except for the single loss against the reigning champion Kamaru Usman.
If Chimaev were to beat Burns on Saturday night, he will likely be the next in line to challenge Usman for the 170lbs title.