Khamzat Chimaev wants to fight Nick Diaz, but Diaz refuses

Khamzat Chimaev is set to return and is looking forward to facing two big names in the sport.

Chimaev was an exceptional UFC fighter in 2020. He scored his first two wins in the UFC in just ten days, against both John Phillips and Rhys Mckee on Fight Island. Then he came back to smash Gerald Meerschaert in just 17 seconds. He looked like he was on his way to stardom when he was pitted against third-ranked welterweight Leon Edwards, despite this fight being Chimaev’s fourth fight in the UFC and being with the company for less than half a year. He could have encountered Leon Edwards in the past, but unfortunately, he was infected with the emerging COVID-19.

At last Saturday’s (UFC 261) event in Jacksonville, Florida, Nick Diaz was a guest at the event.

The former manager of the retired fighter, BJ Penn, Tweeted, saying that Chimaev has been offered as Nick Diaz’s rival for his return, but he refused.

Speaking to MMAjunkie.com, Chimaev confirmed that he is in talks with the UFC about fighting Diaz, explaining why he wants the UFC to book this fight for him.

Chimaev said, “He’s a legend. Everybody knows him in the MMA world. He’s good. These good guys, they’re like play gangsters. It’s going to be a good fight if he wants to fight against me. I don’t know. Maybe he’s scared.”

With Diaz having not fought since 2015, many fans believe that coming out of that long of a layoff to fight someone like Chimaev might be a bad idea. However, with Chimaev also coming off of a layoff due to COVID-19, he believes it would be a fair fight, and also he thinks the UFC will make a lot of money if they book the Chimaev vs. Diaz