“It’s a really hard thing” – UFC legend wonders why Khamzat Chimaev would pursue another title contender fight

A retired UFC fighter recently raised concerns about Khamzat Chimaev’s decision to agree to another fight against a top-ranked opponent.

During the week, Dana White revealed a series of fights that will take place at the promotion’s first event in Saudi Arabia on June 22. Among these matchups is a middleweight main event between Chimaev and former champion Robert Whittaker. According to the UFC CEO, this fight will also serve as a title eliminator bout.

During a recent video on his YouTube channel, former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger Chael Sonnen shared his thoughts on the upcoming Whittaker vs. Chimaev matchup. ‘The American Gangster’ expressed his surprise at ‘Borz’s’ decision to accept another No.1 contender fight:

“This rumor is not new, and the last fight that Chimaev had was said to be a No.1 contender’s match, and Chimaev won. So, it feels as though Chimaev have already qualifies for the title match now this industry changes really fast.”

Additionally, he stated:

“I’m bringing that to you because you still have a problem or at least a question, like, with anybody, why would he want to do it? It’s a really hard thing. You have to find motivation, and it could be anything. We could speculate that at least a hint of an idea is that this is where we’re going to find our No.1 contender.”

Take a look at what Chael Sonnen had to say at the 5:50 mark in the video below:

This paragraph contains a link to the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KV1-C2aXRU.

In October of last year, ‘Borz’ won a majority decision against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. The fight was originally promoted as an opportunity for ‘Borz’ to earn a chance at the 185-pound title.

Despite his initial commitment, White announced during the post-event press conference for January’s UFC 297 that the next title contender has yet to be determined, indicating a change in his previous stance.

The Controversy Surrounding Khamzat Chimaev’s Allegations Against Dana White

Khamzat Chimaev criticized Dana White during an interview with ESPN MMA in January, claiming that he was promised the next shot at the middleweight title after defeating Kamaru Usman, but suddenly had the opportunity taken away.

“All these guys have fought each other, and only I’m undefeated, undisputed, 13-0. They promised me, that after the Usman fight, I will for sure fight for the title. I won that fight, so I don’t know what’s going on. I heard Dana White say, ‘I don’t think Khamzat is next for the title.’ That’s bullsh*t, man. If you promise me something, you have to answer it.”

He further stated:

“I’m the guy who always answers for my words, so I don’t care if it’s some president or something, like a king. If you give me your word, you have to answer for that.”

Take a look at Khamzat Chimaev’s remarks at the 4:00 mark below:

The link to the video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV6YdTYc414.