UFC star Khamzat Chimaev has been pushing for a fight against Kamaru Usman for months, but fears the welterweight champion will retire to avoid fighting him.
Usman, 35, makes the sixth defence of his 170lb title this Saturday in a rematch against top contender Leon Edwards. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' has hinted at retirement, but also has teased his plans of becoming a two-weight champion by moving up to light-heavyweight. Chimaev, who fights Nate Diaz at UFC 279 next month, is arguably one win away from challenging for the welterweight belt.
Chimaev has called out Usman on several occasions, but the champion said he may be retired before 'Borz' earns a title shot. Speaking with The Mac Life, Chimaev said of Usman: "I think the guy’s scared of me. He always talk about maybe I finish [retire]. I hope he wins the fight and then I fight with him, but if he stays away for a long time, Jorge [Masvidal] has started to talk too much, I might have to smash his face as well.”
