UFC 279 was not an experience Khamzat Chimaev will want to hang his hat on. But hopefully, it serves as a learning lesson.
Chimaev (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) missed weight by 7.5 pounds ahead of his scheduled main event with Nate Diaz, forcing the promotion to shuffle the card. As a result, he ended up fighting Kevin Holland in a catchweight co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and cruised to a first-round submission win.
The fact he missed weight by such a large margin, then was unapologetic about it afterward, got Chimaev the scorn of the MMA community. However, he relished the role of bad guy after his win, and said he’s going to continue to “smash” whoever is locked in the octagon with him.
But how should UFC handle Chimaev’s career going forward? Should he get another chance at welterweight? Does he belong at middleweight instead, as UFC president Dana White suggests post-fight?
These are all important questions, and for answers, check out the video above to see what’s next for Chimaev after UFC 279.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 279.
