Khamzat Chimaev has taken the UFC world by storm in a remarkably short period. The 31-year-old fighter, known affectionately as “Borz,” is currently ranked No. 3 in the UFC middleweight division (185 pounds) and is widely expected to challenge the reigning middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, in what could be one of the division’s most intriguing title bouts in recent memory.

What makes Chimaev’s ascent so extraordinary is the speed with which he rose through the ranks. After making his UFC debut in 2020, Chimaev quickly demonstrated his dominance by dispatching opponents at both welterweight (170 pounds) and middleweight. His undefeated professional MMA record stands at an impressive 14-0, which has fueled calls from fans and pundits alike for an immediate title shot.

However, while the hype train has been rolling full speed ahead, there remain important questions about Chimaev’s readiness and longevity at the top tier of the sport. The upcoming fight with Du Plessis could be the true test that separates hype from reality.

The Unconventional Path: From 170 to 185 Pounds

Chimaev’s journey in the UFC has been anything but conventional. Initially fighting at welterweight, he quickly switched focus to middleweight, where he has found a comfortable niche. This quick transition across weight classes is unusual for fighters, as most require significant time to acclimate to different weight divisions.

The reasons behind the move have ranged from natural body growth to a strategic decision by Chimaev and his camp to find the best opportunity for a title shot. Regardless, this flexibility has allowed him to fight a broader range of opponents and showcase his skill set.

What has been clear through all of this is that Chimaev’s wrestling and grappling skills are top-notch. His ability to control opponents on the ground and impose his will has been likened to some of the best wrestlers in MMA history. This has become a key part of his appeal and a major reason why many see him as a future UFC champion.

The Hype Machine: Why Fans Want Chimaev as the Next UFC Superstar

In today’s UFC landscape, buzz and hype often play a critical role in how quickly a fighter is thrust into the spotlight. Chimaev’s “special” rise has been amplified by several factors:

• Dominant performances: Many of Chimaev’s wins have been via dominant wrestling control or brutal finishes, which naturally excite fans.

• Personality and image: His calm, confident demeanor combined with a distinctive look (including his beard and calm presence) has made him a fan favorite.

• Connections to wrestling legends: Because Chimaev shares some stylistic and cultural similarities with fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, many fans have projected similar expectations onto him.

• Short notice, high-profile wins: Chimaev has beaten top fighters like Kamaru Usman, even on short notice, adding to his mystique.

All of this has led to an almost universal expectation that he should be next in line for a title shot. But as former UFC lightweight veteran Josh Thomson points out, this may be jumping the gun.

Josh Thomson’s Warning: A Reality Check on Khamzat Chimaev

Josh Thomson, a respected MMA analyst and former UFC fighter, has voiced strong reservations about the hype surrounding Chimaev. Speaking on the We Want Picks podcast, Thomson urged fans and analysts to pump the brakes and evaluate Chimaev with a more critical eye.

“How bad is he … or is he good? We’re gonna find out when he fights DDP,” Thomson said. He highlighted the fact that despite Chimaev’s undefeated record, the sample size of fights is still quite small to definitively claim he is a generational talent.

Thomson also emphasized the dangers of comparisons to fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov or Islam Makhachev, both of whom are considered elite wrestlers and dominant UFC champions. He said, “Are we giving him the Khabib credit? No one is like Khabib. Nobody is like Islam. We associate the two things, they are not the same.”

This distinction is important. While Chimaev’s wrestling is impressive, Thomson warns that he may not have the same level of conditioning, mental toughness, or fight IQ that the elite grapplers possess.

Examining Chimaev’s Competition: Favorable Matchups or True Test?

One of Thomson’s main arguments is that Chimaev has benefited from fighting opponents who are past their prime, injured, or otherwise not at their best:

• Gilbert Burns: Though Burns dropped Chimaev in their UFC 273 fight, the Brazilian has since struggled to find his footing with several losses.

• Kevin Holland: Known for his inconsistency, Holland has been a hot-and-cold fighter who hasn’t consistently faced elite competition.

• Kamaru Usman: The former welterweight champion took a fight against Chimaev on short notice and with limited preparation.

• Robert Whittaker: Whittaker was dealing with pre-existing dental injuries when he faced Chimaev, which arguably compromised his performance.

Thomson noted, “He’s fantastic when he’s fresh, but we’ve seen him wilt in rounds two and three.” This raises questions about Chimaev’s conditioning and endurance in longer fights, an important factor in championship rounds.

The Durability Question: Can Chimaev Weather the Storm?

A critical factor in assessing Chimaev’s championship potential is his ability to handle adversity. While his undefeated record suggests dominance, it doesn’t tell the full story.

At UFC 273, Chimaev was dropped by Gilbert Burns — a rare moment of vulnerability. While Chimaev recovered and won the fight, it was a clear indication that he is not invincible.

Thomson raised the question: “Is Chimaev the type of fighter who folds under pressure? Does he break when he gets cracked?” This will be an essential question in his fight against Dricus Du Plessis, who is a well-rounded and gritty competitor capable of pushing fighters to their limits.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Next Big Test for “Borz”

Dricus Du Plessis, the current middleweight champion, represents the biggest challenge yet for Chimaev. Du Plessis is known for his striking power, technical grappling, and mental toughness. Unlike some of Chimaev’s previous opponents, Du Plessis is in his prime and has proven himself against high-level competition.

If Chimaev wants to solidify his place as the UFC middleweight champion, he will need to not only execute his game plan flawlessly but also demonstrate that he can adapt when the fight doesn’t go his way.

The Backup Plan: UFC Matchmakers Are Ready

Given Chimaev’s history of mysterious medical issues that have forced him out of fights, UFC matchmakers reportedly have a contingency plan in place in case “Borz” can’t make it to the Octagon for his title shot. This is a prudent move given Chimaev’s track record with injuries and fight cancellations.

This backup plan ensures that the middleweight division’s momentum continues without significant disruption, and it underscores the UFC’s cautious optimism about Chimaev’s future.

What Does the Future Hold for Khamzat Chimaev?

The upcoming fight with Dricus Du Plessis will be a pivotal moment in Chimaev’s career. It will answer many lingering questions:

• Can he maintain his dominance against a fighter of Du Plessis’s caliber?

• Will his conditioning and endurance hold up in championship rounds?

• Can he demonstrate the mental toughness required of a UFC champion?

• How will he respond to adversity or if the fight doesn’t go according to plan?

While the hype has been justified to some extent by his dominant performances, the fight game is notoriously unforgiving, and the next step up in competition often exposes flaws previously unseen.

Final Thoughts: Is Khamzat Chimaev the Real Deal?

Chimaev’s combination of wrestling, grappling, and finishing ability makes him a compelling prospect and potential UFC champion. However, as Josh Thomson’s measured critique highlights, it is still too early to declare him the next great superstar of MMA without seeing him tested against the best on a consistent basis.

If he can overcome Du Plessis and prove his toughness and versatility, Chimaev could well become a defining figure in the middleweight division for years to come. But if he falters, it will serve as a reminder that hype alone doesn’t win titles — preparation, resilience, and experience do.