Khamzat Chimaev Happy Jon Jones Retired ‘Undefeated’ Despite No Tom Aspinall Fight

Middleweight title contender Khamzat Chimaev praises former double champion Jon Jones and expresses that he was happy for him


Khamzat Chimaev Happy Jon Jones Retired ‘Undefeated’ Despite No Tom Aspinall Fight

Khamzat Chimaev reveals that he is happy for Jon Jones after retirement (via-Instagram)

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Middleweight title contender Khamzat Chimaev is all set to fight champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. Known for his grappling and explosive strength, Chimaev has made waves in the UFC since his debut back in 2020. The same year, former double champion Jon Jones went on a three-year-long hiatus.

‘Borz’ has always shown respect for Jones and recently commented on the failed matchup with heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Chimaev had recently attended the JAXXON podcast hosted by former champion and legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson.

The Chechen superstar spoke to Jackson’s co-host and paintball player Bear Degidio. When asked about Jones, the UFC 319 title challenger spoke in high regard. He believed that Jones was a good “picture” for everyone.

Jon Jones could beat Tom, but the young guy, he could beat Jon Jones as well. But if you use Jon Jones in his young age with anyone, he’s gonna beat anyone. Every day, people are getting older and older. I’m happy he’s finished. He’s a legend and undefeated.

Khamzat Chimaev via JAXXON podcast

After his fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, Jones was speculated to fight Aspinall for the heavyweight championship. However, to the surprise of fans, Jones had revealed that he has retired from MMA permanently, which crushed the hopes of a fight against Aspinall. Nevertheless, soon after, ‘Bones’ revealed that he had re-entered the USADA testing pool.

Chimaev and Jones have a very respectful acquaintance, as they have always spoken highly of each other. ‘Borz’ has hailed the former double champion as “best fighter of the era” and has lauded Jones’s ability to defeat all kinds of fighters that have come his way. Meanwhile, ‘Bones’ has also deemed Chimaev as “a fighter that heavyweights fear.”

Aspinall himself has appreciated the fighting prowess of Chimaev. The current undisputed heavyweight champion was left astonished by the Chechens’ one-sided performance against Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. He was also impressed by Chimaev’s grappling and trash-talking abilities.

The Chechen fighter is undoubtedly following the footsteps of Jones and aims to be the first-ever three-weight champion in UFC history. With a professional record of 14 wins and no losses, and a well-rounded striking and grappling prowess, Chimaev will aim to capture the title at UFC 319.

Khamzat Chimaev opens up about death

Khamzat Chimaev is one of the top fighters in the UFC at the moment. He is popular for his trash-talking style and ability to get in the mind of his opponents. However, beneath the bravado and intensity, there is a side of ‘Borz’ that remains largely unknown to the world.

Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev (via UFC)

Chimaev is a spiritual man and has talked about his faith on multiple instances. He is a devout Muslim and has fought during the holy month of Ramadan numerous times. The 31-year-old recently spoke out on remembering death often.

I believe in God, so I wanna meet Him as well. Life is going really fast — I’m already 31. I remember being 6 or 7 years old, and it feels like yesterday. I believe in God, so do good things before I meet Him. If you’re not ready to die when it comes, you’ll be scared.

Khamzat Chimaev via ESPN MMA

The Chechen superstar revealed that he wanted to do good things before he died, so that when he met god, he could have a clean slate. The UFC superstar also revealed that these ideologies were the reason that he was the man that everyone admire and respect these days. Chimaev is from a small village in Chechnya and has had humble beginnings, which have helped him rise up in the world as a superstar.

There have been many instances in which Chimaev has been seen giving back to the people. He recently built a gym in his home village to inspire the youth and safeguard their childhood. This side of Chimaev has rarely been brought to notice, but is sure to inspire fans and young individuals around the world.

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