Bo Nickal thinks that Khamzat Chimaev would be a more challenging opponent for Leon Edwards compared to Islam Makhachev.
Edwards most recently defended his welterweight title against Colby Covington at UFC 296 and is now looking for his next opponent, with Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov being the frontrunners to face him. However, Makhachev has thrown his name in the hat as well, as he hopes to bag a super fight with the Brit. Chimaev is also an option given his history with the champion.
In his latest YouTube video, Nickal explained why Chimaev would be a tougher fight for Edwards.
“I think there are guys that are going to be able to give him some resistance and stuff,” Nickal said. “If Khamzat goes back down, that’s a freaking tough fight for him. Islam [Makhachev] would be a tough fight for him, as well, but I think that’s really competitive. I feel like Khamzat comes down, he would probably beat him up. But Islam coming up, even though he’s a big 55’er, Leon’s big. Leon can freaking strike. Colby [Covington] was able to hold him down a good amount, so who knows? And Leon’s smart, he keeps his cool so, I don’t know.”
Edwards and Chimaev were booked to fight in December 2020. Unfortunately, the bout didn’t take place as ‘Rocky’ tested positive for COVID-19. The UFC attempted to reschedule the fight in January 2021, but another cancellation occurred due to Chimaev’s positive COVID-19 test. A third try on March 21 was also called off, with Dana White mentioning that ‘Borz’ was still recovering from the lingering effects of COVID-19.
Khamzat Chimaev or Islam Makhachev, who do you think would be a tougher fight for Leon Edwards?
