Kamaru Usman’s spot at the top of the UFC’s welterweight division, and the pound-for-pound rankings, isn’t looking quite as secure as it once did. That’s thanks to a stunning performance over the weekend on the part of Khamzat Chimaev, says UFC commentator Michael Bisping, who says Chimaev’s brutal demolition of Li Jingliang put the entire division on notice.
Bisping took to YouTube to share his thoughts on the matter. “Khamzat Chimaev, for any doubts people had, this man’s the real deal.
Bisping to Usman: “Watch Your Back… Khamzat is Coming!”
If you’re a welterweight, watch your back. If you’re Kamaru Usman, who’s the pound-for-pound champ right now, he’s paying attention. He saw that on Saturday night and was like, ‘OK, we could have an issue on our hands. We could have a contender. We could have someone who’s going to give me a real fight.’”
Usman is undefeated in the UFC, and has just one career loss in MMA. He will face Colby Covington once more on Saturday night at UFC 268. Usman has looked unassailable in his position as 170-pound champ, but Bisping insists that Khamzat might be a bigger problem than expected. Chimaev, as of this writing, boasts four finishes in four fights, and has only been hit once.
“Of course he’s got to beat Colby at the weekend, which I think he probably will. But anyway, the point I’m making is everybody is looking at Khamzat Chimaev.
The guy is unreal. What a freak, and I mean that in a good way. To have the confidence to go forward and just grab (Jingliang) like that, throw him down – and this is what he’s done in every fight.
Four fights, four finishes, four quick fights, only hit one time. He’s going to get to fight for the belt pretty soon. But I think he needs one more, and that would be a five-fight win streak and then he’ll fight for the belt.”
Bisping later told BT Sport the same thing, pointing out that Usman might do well to start preparing for Khamzat’s prodigious wrestling as soon as possible.
“The guy is a nutter! If I’m Kamaru Usman, I am giving him a big sidestep if I can. Say ‘Oh no, he hasn’t had enough fights yet. He needs to build himself a bit more!’ but (in reality, Usman would be like) ‘We need to wrestle! We need to work on our wrestling! He’s coming! Khamzat is coming!”
Do you think Khamzat will be the one to take Usman’s crown? Let us know in the comments.
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit ScreenJuicer for great videos, news, and gameplay!
