Daniel Cormier spoke about Khamzat Chimayev

Former UFC champion in two weight categories, Daniel Cormier, shared his opinion about Khamzat Chimayev, who made a bright debut in the organization on the UFC Fight Island, winning two early victories in ten days.

“I like Chimaev,” Cormier said in an interview with Ariel Helvani. “He’s aggressive. The way he dealt with the previous opponent, who is not a whipping boy, is impressive. If his opponent had fought someone else this weekend, he would have already been listed in the bright prospectuses. But he went out to fight with Chimaev multiple underdog and we all saw what happened. Chimaev is always looking for an early ending, and judging by the number of punches he throws so quickly, he doesn’t doubt his cardio».

The UFC President, Dana white, has already stated that he wants to organize Chimaev’s third fight on August 15 at UFC 252 in Las Vegas, and Cormier, who will complete the trilogy with Stipe Miocic in the main event of the numbered event, would like the Chechen fighter to get a place in his card.

“I would like him to fight in our card. Dana, do everything possible for Khamzat Chimaev to fight on August 15 in Las Vegas. I’m asking you, boss, give him a fight in this card! This guy needs to be on TV as much as possible, and I think he’s a rising star. People from this region always capture your imagination – they have an accent, their English is far from perfect, but it is good enough for you to understand. When Khamzat Chimayev says, ‘this guy is not on my level, it’s too easy for me’, he doesn’t even understand that some people might take it as an insult. He doesn’t look at it that way. He just talks because he is confident in himself and his skills”

However, Cormier believes that in the next match Chimaev should not meet with the top of the Welterweight division.

“As for his next opponent, I would not rush, and gave him another fight with an opponent not from the top 15. With some prospectus, a newcomer who is a little known to the public. Although I believe that Chimaev is already a danger for fighters from the top 10 division, especially for those who have gaps in wrestling equipment. You will see, even Khabib prepares his takedowns – he moves, strikes, makes deceptive movements, and only then transfers the opponent. Chimaev is not bothered at all – he throws himself at the opponent like a dog that has been half-starved for six months on a chain. His aggression, power and control are impressive».