“Done literally nothing,” Israel Adesanya’s coach disregards Khamzat Chimaev’s credentials as a deserving middleweight title challenger

“Done literally nothing,” Israel Adesanya’s coach disregards Khamzat Chimaev’s credentials as a deserving middleweight title challenger

Khamzat Chimaev (L) and Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira (L-R) [Image Source - Bloody Elbow (L) and MMA Mania (R)]

Israel Adesanya is no more the middleweight champion of the world – as surprising as that is to behold, the division must move on, with or without him contesting for a title fight.

Speaking about the middleweight title fight, new champion Alex Pereira has himself stated that he might have two options next year, when he does choose to defend. The obvious option is Adesanya – however, with the Nigerian-Kiwi being vocal about taking some time off to look after his health, it seems the other possibility might just work out.

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The other option for Pereira, as delineated by himself, is a Swede by the name of Khamzat Chimaev. Having looked indomitable during his time at welterweight, a return to middleweight wouldn’t be too far away from imagination. He had previously taken on Gerald Meerschaert at 185 pounds in 2020.

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Eugene Bareman, “The Last Stylebender’s” coach is of the opinion that this route might not be the best. He said, “Khamzat’s a rising star, but he’s done literally nothing at middleweight. So, he hasn’t established himself. You’re talking about two guys at the top of the food chain in terms of their status in combat sports.”

He continued, “You’re talking about two guys at the top of the food chain in terms of their status in combat sports… He’s not in the position of these two guys. This is the biggest fight. Khamzat still has to beat people at middleweight and work his way up to even fighting one of these guys.”

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Khamzat Chimaev might want to focus exclusively on the welterweight landscape right now

Khamzat Chimaev versus Gilbert Burns earlier this year [Image Source - MMA Fighting]
Khamzat Chimaev versus Gilbert Burns earlier this year [Image Source – MMA Fighting]

It would be safe to assume that after Kamaru Usman’s rematch win over Colby Covington in late 2021, the welterweight roster could have done with a bit of a shaking up, to force it out of idyll. Enter Leon Edwards, who knocked Leon Edwards out with a leg kick to bring the division out of a stupor.

Khamzat Chimaev, if played his cards right, can find himself atop the food chain in a relatively short span of time. With the Leon Edwards-Kamaru Usman trilogy set in March 2023, and Edwards having the crowd and (somewhat) psychological advantage, it could be the case that Edwards takes home another win.

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If there is a new champion in town, then it can be fairly assumed that the UFC will get Chimaev to a title shot. And “Borz” is a good bet to win against anyone on the roster. Hence, it may be foolhardy for Chimaev to be giving such strict attention to middleweight, when welterweight is teetering on the edge.

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