Khamzat Chimaev returns for TWO new UFC fights
Breakout UFC star Khamzat Chimaev is back, and he has fights in the works with both Gerald Meerschaert and former title contender Demian Maia.
UFC president Dana White made the announcement at a press event, saying that Chimaev would fight twice.
“I think he gets here this weekend,” White said. “… He’ll fight here and he’ll fight on ‘Fight Island.’ This guy wants to (fight). I love that mentality.”
He then revealed Chimaev’s Fight Island opponent.
“We’re working on a fight for him here that’s still being worked,” the UFC president said. “We’re talking about him and Demian Maia on ‘Fight Island.’”
Brazilian outlet Combate then reported that Chimaev would be facing Meerschaert at middleweight on September 19th at the UFC Apex Center. MMAnytt later confirmed these reports with sources close to the situation.
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Chimaev made a huge splash in the UFC, winning two fights in less than two weeks. First he tapped out John Phillips in the second round, and then completely demolished Rhys McKee via first round TKO.
Meerschaert has had a somewhat uneven career in the UFC, though is the most experienced fighter that Chimaev has ever faced with a 31-13 record. He sits at 2-2 in his last four fight, and is coming off of a TKO loss to Ian Heinisch.
Maia is a staple of the UFC, having competed for both the middleweight and welterweight titles. Though UFC gold has eluded him, he still holds wins over many of the best to compete in the octagon, such as Chael Sonnen, Carlos Condit and Jorge Masvidal. He most recently competed against Gilbert Burns, losing via first round knockout.