Khamzat Chimaev is MMA’s current cause celebre, having dispatched with three opponents in relative ease during just two months of service aboard Fight Island. The first time we saw Chimaev smesh was in July when he beat John Phillips with a d’arce choke. After that he TKO’d Rhys McKee and KO’d Gerald Meerschaert.
Before he beat Meerschaert UFC President Dana White was talking Chimaev up as a special talent. Chimaev himself added to the hype, saying he was ready and willing to challenge for belts at either welterweight or middleweight.
After beating Meerschaert Chimaev was rumoured to be facing a top ranked welterweight next, in a five-round main event.