Chael Sonnen: Chimaev Could Be UFC Champion in 2025
Sonnen Questions Whether Chimaev Will Get His Title Shot
MMA analyst and former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen has shared his thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev’s future and his chances of becoming a UFC champion in 2025. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen questions whether the UFC will give Chimaev the opportunity to fight for the title. He argues that the key issue is not Chimaev’s ability to win the belt, but rather if he will be granted the chance to fight for it.
“The big question is whether we can get him in the cage against the champion,” Sonnen said.
Sonnen explains that despite Chimaev being named the number one contender, UFC’s recent matchmaking trends make it difficult for fighters to secure title shots. He believes that various unpredictable factors could impact Chimaev’s path to a championship fight.
UFC’s Changing Plans Delayed Chimaev’s Title Shot
Sonnen claims that Chimaev was originally supposed to fight for the title, but UFC’s plans changed due to unexpected fight results. According to him, Chimaev’s opportunity was disrupted when Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland were matched up, even though they were not the UFC’s initial plan.
“Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland were never supposed to fight, yet that’s where we ended up,” Sonnen stated.
He argues that if a title fight is highly competitive or controversial, the UFC might prioritize an immediate rematch over giving another contender a shot. This could further delay Chimaev’s opportunity.
“What happens if the upcoming title fight is controversial or incredible? What does the UFC do if fans demand a rematch?” Sonnen asked.
The Truth Behind Chimaev’s Alleged Travel Issues
A recurring issue in Chimaev’s career has been rumors about his difficulties traveling to the United States. Sonnen recalls that similar claims were made in the past, but they were later proven false when Chimaev appeared in Las Vegas.
“This rumor has come up again, but the real question is whether it’s even true,” Sonnen said.
Sonnen referenced a previous situation where it was suggested that Chimaev was unable to enter the U.S., only for him to later be seen training at the UFC Performance Institute. He remains skeptical of these travel-related rumors and questions whether they hold any merit.
“We were told he couldn’t enter the country, but I saw him training at the UFC Performance Institute,” Sonnen reminded fans.
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How Many Fights Until a Title Shot?
Sonnen believes that Chimaev’s path to the title depends on how many fights he has in 2025. According to him, UFC fighters typically compete three times per year, and that should increase Chimaev’s chances. He insists that one more fight should be enough for a championship bout.
“If Chimaev fights once more, I believe it will be for the title,” Sonnen said.
If Chimaev competes twice in 2025, Sonnen is convinced that one of those fights will be for the belt. He emphasizes that Chimaev’s dominant wins over Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker should have already secured him a title shot.
Will Khamzat Chimaev Become UFC Champion in 2025?
Sonnen concludes his analysis by stating that Chimaev’s goal of winning the UFC title in 2025 is not overly ambitious. Instead, he believes that it is something fans should expect given Chimaev’s skill level and past performances.
“I can’t imagine a scenario where Chimaev doesn’t get a title shot in 2025,” Sonnen said.
He suggests that the only obstacle preventing Chimaev from fighting for the title is the UFC’s unpredictable matchmaking. However, Sonnen is confident that if Chimaev gets the opportunity, he has what it takes to win the championship.
Source: visit MMAnytt.se
