Khamzat Chimaev has taken to Twitter to challenge the UK’s own Leon Edwards. Originally scheduled for late 2020. The match-up was scrapped after the Swede fell ill with Covid-19. Now back and healthy would this be the perfect fight for an interim belt while the current champion heals his injuries?
Their Positions
Coming off a back and forth win over Gilbert Burns. Chimaev is currently #3 in the welterweight division. The opponent he has called out is one spot ahead of him at #2. Dana White has already stated that Leon is next to challenge for the belt. However, with Kamaru Usman currently on the shelf, Edwards could stay active, and claim a massive scalp if he takes, and wins, versus Khamzat Chimaev.
With the Swedish fighter having such a quick rise to the top. Many fans and fighters questioned if he was ready for the top. Well, he proved that he was last time out, and now looks to further cement his position at the top of the card by challenging the surging Brit.
Is a Fight Likely?
Khamzat is currently one of the hottest names in all of MMA. Bursting onto the scene in his debut. He has gone from strength to strength since that fateful day. This could be a reason for Leon to take the fight. Edwards has put together a superb 10 fight unbeaten run. But, still, his ability is undermined by many in the fight world. Putting the first 1 in Khamzat’s loss column could finally get Leon the respect he deserves.
Kamaru Usman is currently out of action with a hand injury. Having last fought in November of last year, Usman has been on the shelf since then. With no time being specified for a return, could we see an Interim belt introduced? If so, the fight between Leon and Khamzat could very well happen.
Who do you think wins the fight if it happens?
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and