Khamzat Chimaev Has Warning For “Nice” Guy Darren Till

Khamzat Chimaev has no issues with Darren Till, but according to the undefeated fighter, he’s on a different level than the middleweight contender.

Chimaev says he’d “smash” Till

The Chechen-born, Swedish fighter has taken the UFC by storm in recent months, as Chimaev has gone 3-0 since he joined the promotion in July. Not only that, in July, Chimaev set a new promotional record by winning two fights in jus 10 days.

Well, the UFC’s plan is to have Chimaev face a top contender, and in a headliner next. But, as this is being written, the 26-year-old’s next bout hasn’t been signed.

Chimaev (9-0) is in Abu Dhabi this week to attend UFC Fight Island 6, and while talking to the media, he was asked about his next bout (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I don’t know,” Chimaev said when asked who he’s fighting next. “I’m waiting for somebody. We will see.

Many guys say, ‘He’s not top-10. Nobody knows him.’

Everybody talk about me, how they can say that nobody knows me? I think these guys are scared, they talk bullsh*t.”

Although Till is booked to fight Jack Hermansson on December 5th, the Liverpool star has reportedly been busy on social media, calling out other fighters. When Chimaev was asked whether he was surprised Till reportedly mentioned him, the prospect said this.

“No, why surprised?” Chimaev said. “This guy’s a nice, but not my level. I’m going to take him down, I’m going to smash him.”

“I said to him, come to Abu Dhabi, I’m waiting for you,” Chimaev added,  before refrencing an exchange he had with Till.

Chimaev has title shot in his sights

Although Chimaev is only three fights into his UFC run, and has yet to beat a top-ranked contender, he has no doubts he’ll win championship gold.

“For me it doesn’t matter,” Chimaev said. “I want to fight, I love to fight. The belt is coming. What are they gonna do? I finished all my opponents. They have to give me the belt.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Chimaev said. “I do my hard work in the gym, I’m ready for everybody.”

So, it will be interesting to see who the UFC signs to face Chimaev next, and how he does in the bout. Alex Oliveira has offered to fight Chimaev, as has Neil Magny. 

Since Magny is ranked #10 in the welterweight division, that match-up seems to be more in keeping with what the UFC has planned for Chimaev’s next bout. Oliveira is not ranked in the top 15.