Chael Sonnen says Khamzat Chimaev would not be respected had he APOLOGISED for weigh-in debacle at UFC 279
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Chael Sonnen- Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev must’ve put on another memorable moment for his career in his last fight but the fact is that the weight-cutting failure that led him to lose a main-event spot is what will shine probably the most for the rest of his career until he wins a UFC belt. Chimaev was supposed to fight Nate Diaz last weekend at the main event of UFC 279 in the welterweight division. But Chimaev came to the scales at least 8 lbs overweight.
The fight against Diaz got cancelled and Chimaev found himself getting shoved back to the co-main event slot against Kevin Holland, who was in the same weight as Chimaev since the latter was originally supposed to fight an opponent, Daniel Rodriguez, in a catchweight bout. Chimaev’s potential must have a lot to show to the world and a lot to give back to Chimaev but the fact is that of now, Chimaev’s future specifically in the welterweight is very much shaken and he may start his way to the top for title contention all over again at an upper weight class where he can cut less weight and stay medically healthy.
Also Read: “When his career dies, mine dies” Chael Sonnen talks of HIS CONNECTION with Anderson Silva’s career
Chael Sonnen recalls Jon Jones’ situation in defending Khamzat Chimaev’s refusal to apologise
In one of the videos on his YouTube channel, MMA Legend Chael Sonnen talks about Chimaev’s reaction to his weigh-in fail and the Chechen’s alleged rudeness towards his critics. Sonnen first points out that it’s not the missing of the signed-up weight that the MMA community in the majority is upset about, but it’s Chimaev’s reluctance to apologise to the fans for it. With that being cleared, this is what followed from Sonnen’s mouth.
“That’s why you’re upset at Chimaev,” says Sonnen after remembering the time UFC light heavyweight great Jon Jones got tested for a picogram and didn’t literally apologise despite taking the accountability. He continued, “But what it is that you wanted him to do, you think that you wanted him to apologise, that’s what you’re saying, but would you respect him? See, there’s a very different thing in life… Come out, show us who you’re, come on and be who you are because if you’re not sorry, don’t say you’re sorry and he didn’t…”
What do you make of Sonnen’s assessment of Chimaev getting respect for not apologising? Do you agree with it? Safe to say, though, Chimaev has achieved a successful pro-wrestling form of villainous heel in his persona on stage. Do you think this would help Chimaev’s personal brand and will make him a bigger draw in the future? Who do you think is next for Chimaev? Fans and pros in factions want to see Chimaev fight the former 2-time UFC title challenger Colby Covington.
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Abhai Singh Tanwar
(1386 Articles Published)