Khamzat Chimaev has been backed to fight for a world title at welterweight before Kamaru Usman is granted his rematch with Leon Edwards.
Usman was a dominant champion who had never lost in the UFC when he faced Edwards back in August, but was dethroned by a fifth round head kick that left him knocked out cold. Having already beaten the champion once earlier in his career and having such a legendary reign, the common belief is that Usman will be a rematch immediately by the promotion.
However, UFC legend Chael Sonnen believes they will wait to give Usman another shot as he recovers from injuries and the brutality of the knockout, in the meantime having Edwards fight Chimaev for the gold. This is despite the Swede missing weight by a comical 7.5lb for his fight with Nate Diaz, which already had a one pound weight allowance given that it was not for a world title.
