Khamzat Chimaev should move up to fight Paulo Costa next, suggests Kamaru Usman: “What is the point of coming back down to middleweight?”
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Khamzat Chimaev has been calling for a rematch with Sean Strickland, but Kamaru Usman would like to see him go on a different path.
Chimaev lost the middleweight title to Strickland in the UFC 328 main event, which was a five-round clash that went down to the wire. Strickland earned the split nod. Initially, UFC CEO Dana White said Chimaev told him that he plans to move up to the light heavyweight division. “Borz” changed his mind and has been demanding` a second clash with Strickland for the 185-pound gold.
While revenge is on Chimaev’s mind, Usman doesn’t think there’s much value in sticking around at middleweight. During a recent edition of the “Pound 4 Pound Podcast,” Usman told Henry Cejudo that he’d rather see Chimaev in a grudge match against Paulo Costa at 205 pounds (via MMAJunkie).
“Honestly, I would like to see Khamzat Chimaev get to light heavyweight and make a run there,” Usman said. “Make a run there, because what is the point of coming back down to middleweight? It’s a tough cut for you. Are you skilled enough to still be there and be the champion? Potentially, yes. You’ve already proven that. You’ve been the champion.
“Why not move up? Listen, Paulo Costa has moved up. That’s a heat of a fight. That’s a heater still. (We’re) still waiting on that. He moved up to light heavyweight and looked great. So, why not? Khamzat Chimaev, move up to light heavyweight, get a fight. Boom. Now you’re in that short line for the title fight. That title’s in limbo right now because the champion is out for quite some time. So why not?”
Former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Jiri Prochazka has claimed that Costa was offered a bout against him but has yet to accept it. “Borrachinha” has denied this claim, and he insists the UFC brass hasn’t mentioned Prochazka’s name.
As for Chimaev, he hasn’t been guaranteed another fight with Strickland at this time. White told reporters that whether or not a rematch happens will be up to what the fans want to see.
Do you think Khamzat Chimaev should ditch the Sean Strickland rematch and move up to light heavyweight? Sound off in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
