Top ranked middleweight calls out Khamzat: ”If he wants it – I’m here”

Marvin Vettori would like to face top ranked welterweight Khamzat Chimaev. Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Former middleweight title contender Marvin Vettori is not scared of fighting anyone.

On Saturday he will take on dangerous finisher Jared Cannonier in a five-round main event, but already has his eyes on possible fights ahead.

At Wednesday’s UFC media day, the Italian claimed he would be happy to take on top ranked welterweight Khamzat Chimaev, who could move up to middleweight for his next fight.

“I always welcome him,” Vettori said. “Everywhere. Yeah, sure. If he wants it, I’m here. I’ve never turned down any fight. I’ve never pulled out of any fight. So please, yeah, bring him too.”

As reigning champion Israel Adesanya is likely to fight the winner of July’s matchup between Dricus Du Plessis and Robert Whittaker next, Vettori fighting Chimaev actually makes a lot of sense.

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Khamzat could face Kamaru Usman

At the moment, Khamzat Chimaev is not booked for a fight, however, there has been rumours about a possible welterweight fight with former champion Kamaru Usman.

Chimaev’s last outing was a catchweight fight against Kevin Holland at UFC 279 back in September. ”Borz” won the fight via a quick first-round submission.

Vettori comes from a unanimous decision win against Roman Dolidze at UFC 286 in March. The two only defeats he suffered in the past few years came against Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.

Read more: UFC on ESPN: Vettori vs. Cannonier – Fight card, Start Time & How to Watch

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