Morning Report: Khabib Nurmagomedov praises Khamzat Chimaev: ‘He deserves a top 10’ opponent

Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Khamzat Chimaev has been one of the brightest spots in the UFC this year. Making his debut in July, Chimaev submitted John Phillips at UFC Fight Island 1 and then turned around 10 days later to stop Rhys McKee with ground strikes at UFC Fight Island 3. The nature of his dominance, and his Russian heritage, immediately drew comparisons to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, but after knocking out Gerald Meerschaert in just 17 seconds at UFC Vegas 1 last month, Chimaev made it clear that he didn’t want to be compared to the lightweight champion, he wanted to be his own man. Well it appears that Nurmagomedov didn’t take any offense to that and is just as impressed with Chimaev as the rest of the MMA world.
Speaking at the UFC 254 Virtual Media Day, Nurmagomedov was asked his opinion on the UFC’s rising star and the lightweight champion was very complimentary of Chimaev, saying that he thinks Chimaev deserves a top-ranked opponent.
“I don’t know what the UFC is going to do with him, about his next opponent, but in my opinion, I think he deserves a top 10, top 15 (opponent),” Khabib said. “In my opinion, it’s top 10. He deserves a fight with someone very tough opponent, like five rounds. Then, after this one, he deserves a contender fight. This is my opinion.”
Chimaev was, in fact, supposed to have just that, actually. Heading into his fight with Meerschaert, Chimaev was also set to face sixth-ranked welterweight Demian Maia later this year. However, after his obliteration of Meerschaert, many fans questioned that matchmaking for Maia’s retirement fight. Now, instead, Dana White is targeting a five-round main event for Chimaev against a ranked opponent and Khabib thinks this is exactly what should happen for the budding star.
“Of course (I’m a believer in Chimaev). He finishes all his opponents,” Khabib said. “I think he deserves. . . Ali told me he’s gonna fight - because we have the same manager - Ali told me he’s gonna fight with tough opponent, five rounds in December. This is very interesting. Main event in the UFC, this is very good attention. Good opportunity for him and if he wins this fight, next fight I think he deserves next fight a contender fight.”
Chimaev is also of a similar mind, having called for fights with practically every big fighter at either welterweight and middleweight. A specific name has still not been announced but if Chimaev wins, he will only continue to add to an already historic 2020 campaign.
Khabib, meanwhile, has his own fight to be concerned about. He will defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 later this month, in Abu Dhabi.

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[h=1]MUST-READ STORIES[/h]Results. Denise Kielholtz starches Kate Jackson in 43 seconds at Bellator 247.
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Rematch. Floyd Mayweather says ‘Conor McGregor can’t punch,’ open to $300 million payday for rematch.

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[h=1]VIDEO STEW[/h]What the Heck.


UFC 254 Media Day Livestream.


Holly Holm interview with Brendan Fitzgerald.


Top Five ONE Championship main events.


Khamzat Chimaev wrestling.

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[h=1]LISTEN UP[/h]UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Carlos Condit and Germaine de Randamie.

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[h=1]SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE[/h]LPP has spoken.
These two.
Other beef.
Soon to be farewell.
Torn ACL.
Call out.
Werdum has plans.
Back at it.

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[h=1]FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS[/h]Marcos Rogerio de Lima (17-6-1) vs. Alexander Romanov (12-0); UFC Fight Night, Nov. 7.
Philipe Lins (7-4) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (14-5); UFC Fight Night, Nov. 7.

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[h=1]FINAL THOUGHTS[/h]Thanks for reading and see y’all on Monday.

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[h=1]EXIT POLL[/h]

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