The UFC is reportedly working on not one, but two fights for Khamzat Chimaev. But, the man who is supposed to face the rising fighter first, has other ideas.
Chimaev made headlines this past July by becoming the first fighter in UFC history to win two fights, in just ten days. On July 15th, Chimaev submitted middleweight John Phillips, and just over a week later, he stopped welterweight prospect, Rhys McKee.
The Chechen born, Swedish fighter has caught the attention of Dana White, as the UFC President has said he wants to get Chimaev as many bouts as possible. Recently White reported that the promotion was working on getting Chimaev a bout this month in Vegas, and that they’re looking at having him fight Demian Maia after that.
Well, since then it’s been reported that the UFC is hoping to have Chimaev fight middleweight Gerald Meerschaert on September 19th. Then, the following month, he’d face Maia.
Clearly the assumption that Chimaev will be ready to fight again in October, didn’t sit well with Meerschaert, as he tweeted out this.
“He’s not leaving the cage physically able to fight in October.”
Even if you’ve jumped on the Chimaev bandwagon – a lot of folks understandably have – you have to admit Meerschaert’s reaction is understandable.
UFC execs don’t typically talk about plans to have a fighter compete twice in a two month span. At least, not publicly anyways, alongside opponent names.
The assumption here is that Chimaev will beat Meerschaert and that he’ll do so, decisively. As a competitor, Meerschaert has other ideas.
Can Meerschaert make good on his comments here? That’s the big question.
Meerschaert (33-13) is coming off a quick, stoppage loss to Ian Heinisch after submitting Deron Winn in March.
Here is the line-up so far for UFC Vegas 11, which is taking place on September 19th at the Apex Facility. Chimaev vs. Meerschaert hasn’t been added yet, as the bout has yet to be confirmed (line-up via MMA Mania).
UFC Vegas 11
170 lbs.: Colby Covington vs. Tyron Woodley
170 lbs.: Donald Cerrone vs. Niko Price
265 lbs.: Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Ciryl Gane
205 lbs.: Ryan Spann vs. Johnny Walker
115 lbs.: Mackenzie Dern vs. Randa Markos
185 lbs.: Kevin Holland vs. Darren Stewart
125 lbs.: Mara Romero Borella vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
125 lbs.: David Dvorak vs. Jordan Espinosa
135 lbs.: Randy Costa vs. Journey Newson
145 lbs.: TJ Laramie vs. Darrick Minner
135 lbs.: Andre Ewell vs. Irwin Rivera
135 lbs.: Sarah Alpar vs. Jessica-Rose Clark
*card subject to change
The Hollywood star Ryan Gosling is speaking out this week to say that he keeps…
After Dumber and Dumber To finished filming in 2014, Jeff Daniels told co-star Jim Carrey,…
The singer Britney Spears has revealed that she is the latest celebrity to be ditching…
Cher was once broke. But she was able to come back out of it, as…
Johnny Depp has officially launched his Hollywood comeback in the wake of him coming out…
The former "Beverly Hills, 90210" star Jason Priestley recently became the latest in a long…