Khamzat Chimaev has responded to rumors of a UFC 300 main event appearance against Leon Edwards.
‘Borz’ hasn’t stepped into the Octagon since his fight against former UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last October. Initially, Chimaev was set to face Paulo Costa in a title eliminator, but since the Brazilian had to pull out due to injury, the Chechen ended up facing ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’, who he beat by a majority decision.
Chimaev appeared poised for a title shot following his recent victory as he remains a viable contender in the 185-pound division.
Last week, Ariel Helwani reported that the UFC was talking about a welterweight title fight between Chimaev and Edwards in the UFC 300 main event. However, the UFC’s fiery prospect has bowed out, citing religious obligations.
“I will fight everybody,” Chimaev told MMA Uncensored. “Leon, [Dricus] Du Plessis, anyone, but not [during] Ramadan. I think Ramadan [is during] UFC 300. Maybe somebody in Saudi Arabia. I want to fight there. Not fighting in Ramadan anymore.”
Chimaev’s remarks don’t completely shut down the possibility of a return at UFC 300, but it’s not very likely that he’ll be there. With the event only two months away, it appears that Dana White and his team are scrambling to secure a main event, with names like Israel Adesanya, Conor McGregor and Alex Pereira thrown in the mix.
Who do you think will main event at UFC 300?
