Conor McGregor 'accepts' fight with Khamzat Chimaev, but bout unlikely
UFC welterweight Khamzat Chimaev knows when and how to make a challenge.
As MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn wrote, Chimaev made history by tallying the shortest gap between UFC victories when he defeated John Phillips on July 15 and then toppled Rhys McKee a mere 10 days later. Both wins occurred at the Fight Island site on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
On Thursday, the 26-year-old with a record of 8-0 took to Twitter to launch challenges toward former two-division champion Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal:
Rarely one to keep quiet, McGregor responded:
Realizing this is the closest he's come to a massive UFC payday, Chimaev kept the conversation going:
While we hate to rain on anybody's parade, it's worth noting that UFC boss Dana White told TMZ it's unlikely Chimaev will get his wish. McGregor is campaigning for a rematch versus undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) or some other big-money bout amid his latest "retirement." He hasn't competed since he stopped Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at the January UFC 246 show.
During a Thursday morning "Wrestling Observer Radio" podcast (subscription required), Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer speculated White doesn't want to schedule McGregor's return until spectators can pay to watch the outspoken Irishman in person.
The UFC has held events behind closed doors and without spectators since May because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
White did say, though, that Chimaev could compete in the Octagon again before the end of August.
Whatever happens, give Chimaev credit for shooting his shot. Older and more accomplished fighters could learn something from him.
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