Khamzat Chimaev has claimed he made rival Gilbert Burns famous when the pair clashed at UFC 273 back in April.
Chimaev picked up the latest victory on his remarkable rise when he outpointed Brazilian contender Burns in a mouthwatering clash at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Florida. Despite getting the decision after the final bell, Chimaev was caused serious problems by his rival and it provided a stern test of his 170lb credentials.
The pair respectfully greeted each other after the fight was concluded and were seen embracing in the octagon following the brutal war. However Chimaev was disappointed that he felt rival received more praise for his performance in the classic encounter. "This guy, I made him famous," Chimaev said when assessing his previous rivalry during an appearance on The MMA Hour. "The guy wasn't nothing before me. I made him famous.
"He lost the fight and he was happier. I was angry after that fight and I won that fight. I was angry because I didn't finish that guy. And I don't understand, some guys like Gilbert, become happy when he lost the fight. I don't think he will ever be champion. Because if you are happy when you lost the fight, you never will be champion. These things I just don't understand. When some people lose, why are they happy?
"People are saying 'Oh Gilbert [Burns] did good, he did good!' He's been in the UFC for several years. I started fighting five years ago. I'm also human, you know. Everyone's thinking I'm some kind of robot. Yes I speak hard when I go to the press conference, because I think I can, that's why I say it."
Chimaev will next take on Nate Diaz in the latest step of his UFC career on September 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Chechen star will likely look for a more convincing performance with his new rival having not fought since defeat to Leon Edwards last June.
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However a great deal of the pre-fight pressure will be on Chimaev as he comes into the fight as a huge favourite. This is largely down to Diaz's recent form, in addition to the fact that the American will be competing in his final outing with the promotion after a lengthy contract feud.
A win for Chimaev could likely set up a title shot against Kamaru Usman, but the rising star has admitted he remains uncertain if his latest opponent will show up to the event. “I still don’t believe that guy’s going to come and show up,” Chimaev continued.
“That skinny boy. We will see what’s happening. I’m just waiting for the 10th of September – it doesn’t matter who. If he wants to fight 185lb, then we can do that. just show up. I can fight at 185lb or 205lb, it doesn’t matter."
