Rountree Jr. calls Chimaev ‘best in the world’ and drops bold warning about 205-pound move

Rountree made it clear that training with Chimaev changed his perspective on the champion’s level. He described him as one of the most complete fighters in the sport.

The light heavyweigh contender said (via MMA Junkie): “I feel many different ways. When I first heard the news, I was a bit bummed out, really. Just to know that a guy like Khamzat would come to your division and had to be a potential matchup if that happened, it doesn’t make me happy to think about that.

“I just told you, training with this guy, he’s the best in the world. It’s difficult. It’s difficult in all areas, in standup, in grappling. No one gets an easy round with Khamzat.

“It doesn’t matter what weight class, what size. That were my initial thoughts, like, ‘Damn, if he made the move up, we’re all kind of sc——.’ That’s kind of how I look at it.”

Khamzat Chimaev move up still uncertain despite growing speculation

Dana White has already addressed the idea of Chimaev moving up immediately.

After his win over Dricus du Plessis, the UFC president indicated there are still key matchups available at middleweight, such as his potential fights against Nassourdine Imavov.

However, circumstances could change quickly. Carlos Ulberg’s long-term injury and Paulo Costa’s move up may open a clearer path for Chimaev to test himself at light heavyweight.