Contrary to swirling rumours, the undefeated “Borz,” Khamzat Chimaev, has no intention of retiring after his highly anticipated title fight at UFC 319. In a candid interview with ESPN MMA, Chimaev revealed that his career is just getting started, driven by a fierce ambition to make history and a very practical need to “pay the bills.” His focus is now on an unprecedented goal: becoming the first fighter to hold titles in three different UFC divisions.
“I Need Money, Bro”: Chimaev’s Three-Title Ambition
Chimaev’s journey to the top of the middleweight division culminates on August 16 in Chicago, where he will challenge champion Dricus du Plessis. However, this is just the first step in a much grander plan. With a potential championship victory over “Stillknocks,” Chimaev plans to defend the belt before immediately setting his sights on new challenges in different weight classes.
“I need money, bro. This is not enough, just to go for the one title,” Chimaev stated. “Hopefully, if I don’t get injured or some stuff, gonna defend the belt or fight for other belt in Abu Dhabi, as well.”
The Welterweight Challenge and a History of Ailments
The former welterweight contender expressed a strong desire to return to the 170-pound division. Despite his well-documented struggles with making weight in the past—most notably his catastrophic scale fail at UFC 279—Chimaev is confident he can now make the cut. “I work with a new coach and talk to him about going down again to 170. He said gimme a couple months and I’m gonna make it.” His target is the current welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, the “Australian guy” mentioned in the interview.
However, Chimaev’s history of health issues and weight-cutting problems adds a layer of uncertainty to these plans. It remains to be seen if the UFC will be in a hurry to send him back to the welterweight shark tank after his previous mishaps.
A Potential Move to Light Heavyweight
Beyond the middleweight and welterweight divisions, Chimaev’s ambitions extend even further up the weight classes. He also has his eye on the light heavyweight title, currently being contested by Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. Chimaev has a history of online friction with Pereira, which could make for a compelling title fight should he decide to move up to 205 pounds.
All of Chimaev’s grand plans, however, hinge on his ability to solve the “Stillknocks” riddle and dethrone the formidable Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Fighter’s Name | Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev |
| Main Event | Vs. Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 (Middleweight Title) |
| Retirement Rumours | Dismissed by Chimaev, who says he needs more money. |
| Ambitious Goal | To become the first three-division champion in UFC history. |
| Targeted Divisions | Middleweight, Welterweight, and Light Heavyweight. |
| Potential Opponents | Jack Della Maddalena (Welterweight) and the winner of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira (Light Heavyweight). |
Is Khamzat Chimaev retiring after UFC 319?
No, Khamzat Chimaev has publicly stated he is not retiring. He has declared his intention to pursue multiple championships in the UFC to make more money.
What are Chimaev’s plans for his career?
Chimaev has an ambitious goal to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in three different weight classes: middleweight, welterweight, and light heavyweight.
Why does Chimaev want to return to welterweight?
Chimaev, a former welterweight contender, is working with a new coach who he believes can help him safely make the 170-pound weight limit, despite a previous weight-cutting failure at UFC 279.
Who does Chimaev want to fight at welterweight and light heavyweight?
Chimaev mentioned fighting the current welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena. At light heavyweight, he is interested in fighting the winner of the upcoming title bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
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