Colby Covington has taken aim at Khamzat Chimaev’s mindset following ‘Borz’s’ shock middleweight title defeat to Sean Strickland in May. Speaking to Submission Radio, the former UFC interim welterweight champion branded Chimaev “literally a quitter” after the title loss and questioned his decision to pull guard during the fight.
Covington breaks down Chimaev’s title defence
Chimaev’s eagerly anticipated first defence at UFC 328 ended in a unanimous decision loss to Strickland, a result that rocked the MMA world. In the aftermath, reports surfaced of a disastrous weight cut that reportedly nearly proved fatal. Yet it was Chimaev’s in-cage tactics that drew the most scorn from Covington. “You can see he has that quitter in him,” Covington said. He highlighted the infamous second-round moment when Chimaev pulled guard, joking that defence was “where girls are supposed to be” and that men should stay on top in the “missionary” position. “He’s mentally weak and that’s why I’ve always been excited to compete against him,” added ‘Chaos’.
Potential RAF showdown and UFC ties
Although both Covington and Chimaev remain under UFC contract clauses, Covington’s recent retirement announcement has opened the door for a possible mat encounter. Covington, now 3–0 on the RAF circuit, is slated to face Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11. Chimaev meanwhile will make his RAF debut against Dillon Danis at RAF 10, following his rematch request with Strickland. Should both wins materialise, the realisation of a Covington-Chimaev RAF match would hinge on the promotions’ agreement preventing active UFC fighters from clashing.
Reaction within the division
Covington’s remarks have already stirred debate among fans and fighters alike. His critique taps into wider questions about Chimaev’s readiness to reclaim the middleweight crown and how his recent struggles could influence his confidence on the mat. Meanwhile, Covington’s own pivot towards wrestling marks a departure from his UFC tenure, one he ended in protest over creative and promotional dissatisfaction.
As both athletes prepare for their respective RAF bouts, the MMA community will be watching closely to see if Covington’s bold predictions hold true and whether Chimaev can silence his critics by returning to form.
FAQ
What did Colby Covington say about Khamzat Chimaev?
Covington described Chimaev as “mentally weak,” criticising his decision to pull guard during the second round of his UFC 328 title fight loss to Sean Strickland. He labelled that moment symptomatic of a “quitter” mindset.
When and where are Covington and Chimaev competing next?
Covington is booked to face Arman Tsarukyan at Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAF) 11. Chimaev is set to debut on the same circuit against Dillon Danis at RAF 10, after losing his UFC middleweight title in May.
Why could Covington and Chimaev face off in RAF events?
Both fighters are free to compete in RAF following Covington’s retirement announcement from the UFC. Their meeting hinges on navigating the existing agreement between UFC and RAF that bars active UFC stars from fighting each other.
What led to Chimaev’s title loss at UFC 328?
Khamzat Chimaev lost his middleweight belt to Sean Strickland by unanimous decision. Post-fight reports suggested a severe weight-cut issue, which Chimaev’s team said brought him close to death.
