Khamzat Chimaev, Jon Jones, Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali (Photo by Imagn)

Khamzat Chimaev Admits No Current Star Matches Jon Jones, Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali’s Greatness

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 2:15 AM ET

Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most physically dominant champions the UFC has produced in recent memory. However, he just told the world that he does not consider himself anywhere close to the greatest who has ever competed. He said that Jon Jones, Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali are untouchable for anyone in recent times.

Chimaev has steamrolled through the middleweight division to become champion. He carries a level of certainty in his own abilities that has never required external validation. This makes his assessment of where the current generation sits relative to the icons of combat sports history genuinely striking. As he sees it, no one, including him, is anywhere near what Jones, Ali, Tyson, and Buvaisar Saitiev achieved.

“The new guys are not there yet. Not me, not the other guys either. We are all far away from Jon Jones, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Buvaisar Saitiev. You have to do something to become like them,” Chimaev said.

Khamzat Chimaev believes none of the current fighters, including himself, have reached the greatness of icons like Jon Jones and Muhammad Ali

"The new guys are not there yet. Not me, not the other guys either. We are all far away from Jon Jones, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson,… pic.twitter.com/siUxnxxfqv
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 7, 2026

The humility in that statement lands differently coming from ‘Borz’ than it would from almost anyone else in the sport right now. This is not a fighter known for underselling himself or searching for modesty when confidence is available. However, he doesn’t see anyone in his division as a challenge.

Khamzat Chimaev Says He Sees No Challenge in the UFC

The undefeated Russian fighter was asked if anyone in the middleweight division gave him pause. His answer made it clear why opponents often struggle with him mentally before the fight even begins. “Why should I fear someone? I don’t—why should I be afraid of someone? So, he has two legs, two hands, one head,” Chimaev said.

Khamzat Chimaev: "Why should I fear someone?"

Khamzat Chimaev says: "I don't—why should I be afraid of someone? So, he has two legs, two hands, one head." pic.twitter.com/uUoJdW4xgb
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 6, 2026

The timing of the statement is interesting, especially with everything building around UFC 328. Kamaru Usman said Sean Strickland might be the one to finally bring out the best version of Chimaev. Additionally, Dricus du Plessis also warned about Strickland’s awkward style, saying it does not look dangerous until a fighter is actually in front of him.

It seems like Chimaev heard all of it and responded by counting Strickland’s limbs. May 9th is going to be a very interesting night.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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