Israel Adesanya just overcame the biggest obstacle in the middleweight division for the second time. He bested Robert Whittaker via unanimous decision at UFC 271. Despite the triumph, Adesanya had to get off from the mat 4 times in the fight. Khamzat Chimaev pointed it out following the event and now Henry Cejudo has questioned whether the kiwi can beat Chimaev or not.
Former UFC double-champ, Henry Cejudo took to Twitter yesterday and he stated that Khamzat Chimaev will beat the current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. According to him, Izzy has not fought a fighter similar to Khamzat Chimaev. However, Cejudo also added that he will apologize if Adesanya does indeed beat Chimaev. But he backtracked on that later.
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In reply to that Tweet, Khamzat Chimaev wrote that he is prepared to die in the octagon if need be. However, he questioned the 185lbs champ’s willingness to do the same. The 27-year old is currently scheduled to take on Gilbert Burns in a crucial welterweight fight. It will probably bring him one step closer to a title fight in that division should he win.
Israel Adesanya vs Khamzat Chimaev: who wins the fight at middleweight?
Khamzat Chimaev fought only twice at middleweight. He made his debut in the UFC at this weight class and won the contest via submission. Later, Chimaev knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in only 17 seconds on only just his third UFC fight. Hence, a title shot at middleweight seems like a long shot.
However, Chimaev expressed his wish to be a double champ inside the UFC. By the time he reaches the top at 185 lbs, will Israel Adesanya still be in the division? If he does stick around, how will the fight go? The Stylebender was asked about Chimaev’s tweet after UFC 271. But the champ did not look particularly interested in the potential fight.
If the fight does come to fruition, it will certainly be chaotic. Chimaev has a very offensive style of fighting that does not allow his opponents any space to implement their tactics. Adesanya on the other hand is the best counter puncher in the UFC. However, the potential deciding factor in this fight will be grappling.
Robert Whittaker is certainly a very good wrestler. However, he pales in comparison to Khamzat Chimaev. The Chechnya native is a freak athlete with incredible physical strength. When he eventually takes down the 32-year old, Chimaev will have a better chance of holding him down there than Whittaker. However, in order for that to be the case, Khamzat will have to get past Izzy’s world-class striking. But, if Triple C is to be believed, then Khamzat will emerge victoriously.
I have a feeling I’ll be apologizing to absolutely nobody. This animal has future champ written all over him. Adesanya better hope Khamzat stays at welterweight!
From the combat sports ???? to a future ????, Triple C is OUT ???????????? #bendtheknee ????
????????: https://t.co/D0EUVsTqM5 https://t.co/shvr16OrZe
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) February 15, 2022
If Chimaev continues to win inside the UFC and builds on his incredible fan following, a fight between him and Israel Adesanya will be seen as a super fight. And the clash itself promises to be a mouth-watering one for sure.