Still undefeated: Who is next for Khamzat Chimaev?

Khamzat Chimaev flanked by Belal Muhammad (left) and Colby Covington (right). Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports, Stefan Romare/Frontkick, Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

With the victory over Gilbert Burns rising star Khamzat Chimaev cemented his place at the very top of the welterweight division. However, since UFC already promised the overlooked Leon Edwards to be next in line to challenge Kamaru Usman, ”Borz” needs at least one more win to get a title shot.

So, who will be Chimaev’s next opponent?

Colby Covington

Colby Covington. Photo: Ed Mulholland – USA TODAY Sports

Probability:

UFC president Dana White recently opened for a fight between No. 1 ranked Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev. The controversial American last fought at UFC 272 in March when he defeated his rival Jorge Masvidal with a five-round unanimous decision.

With his excellent wrestling and great cardio ”Chaos” could be a really tough challenge for Chimaev. On the other hand he lacks the punching power of welterweights like Gilbert Burns and Vicente Luque.

Khamzat’s opinion about fighting Covington then?

“If that guy don’t call the cops and Dana White don’t go to jail, I’d be happy to fight. Come to the fight, I’ll smash his face,” Chimaev said on the UFC 273 post-fight press conference.

Vicente Luque

Vicente Luque. Photo: Troy Taormina – USA TODAY Sports

Probability:

Another possible opponent is the No. 4 ranked Vicente Luque. The Brazilian faces Belal Muhammad in a rematch on April 16, and the winner could be next for Khamzat Chimaev.

Besides having a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Luque is known for his iron chin and heavy hands. He is on a four fight winning streak, including first round finishes over Tyron Woodley and Michael Chiesa, and has proven to be a serious problem for anyone in the division.

Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad. Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports

Probability:

No. 5 ranked Belal Muhammad has seven wins and one no-contest in his last eight bouts in the UFC. In his last two fights he defeated veterans Stephen ”Wonderboy” Thompson and Demian Maia via unanimous decision.

Well-rounded and with great cardio, Muhammad has really proven to be as tough a fighter as anyone in the welterweight top.

Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports

Probability:

Even though Leon Edwards is planned to challenge welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, probably during International Fight Week in July, things are never written in stone in the world of fighting.

If the bout falls apart, or if UFC decides that the Swede is a better fight for Usman, Khamzat Chimaev could be the next challenger.

With his strong wrestling, solid punching power and great cardio, Usman is by far the toughest opponent in the division. Since he won the title back in March 2019, he defended the belt five times against Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington and Gilbert Burns.

See Khamzat Chimaev prepare for UFC 273

Read more: Khamzat reveals unexpected reason why it was hard to fight Burns

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