Khamzat Chimaev's training partner just moved to 6-0 in MMA after an impressive win at LFA MMA. Ansar Khamzaev helped Chimaev prepare for his title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. But following that, he made a quick turnaround to appear at LFA 232.
Ansar Khamzaev joined Khamzat Chimaev's training camp when the Chechen moved to Santo Studio. He joined an elite group of fighters who were helping Chimaev prepare for his title defense. He then went on to face Jordon Tague this Friday in Connecticut.
The 20-year-old, who has the same nickname as Chimaev, faced a very tough test in Tague, who was 5-1 in MMA. Even so, Khamzaev beat his opponent in the very first round by getting him in a rear-naked choke. This was the third rear-naked choke finish of Borz's MMA career.
After his win, Khamzaev was asked whether he would like to appear in the UFC or go for the LFA title next after going 4-0 in the promotion. The 20-year-old initially gave a non-committal answer before calling out UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and then finally confirming his future.
I'm a wonder king in this sport, so I'm only 20 years old and I can beat all of them, all of UFC fighters, all top five, champions, [Ilia] Topuria, doesn't matter. I can beat all of them….100% you will see me in the UFC this year.
Ansar Khamzaev via LFA FightingWhile a shot at Ilia Topuria seems unlikely, Khamzaev could very well enter the UFC this year. Dana White's Contender Series' tenth season is set to premiere on August 11. So, he could take the path of many successful fighters before him, like Kevin Holland and Sean O'Malley. After all, some of his training partners think he is earmarked to be a future champion.
Even as a 20-year-old, Ansar Khamzev is keeping up with elite UFC fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Brendan Allen. The Louisiana native joined Chimaev's camp to help him prepare for Sean Strickland at UFC 328. In doing so, he was reunited with the fighter whom he likened to a young version of Chimaev.
Allen appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience and hyped up the young prospect while conversing with the veteran UFC commentator. He spoke on the potential of Khamzaev, highlighting his age as a reason to be excited about his growth. Allen's words got Joe Rogan hyped about Khamzaev entering the UFC as well.
He's fighting good guys already. They all want to fight him…He's so exciting…I see kids like this, and I think, 'I used to be that kid.' But these guys are even better. It's scary how evolution is.
Brendan Allen via the JRERogan even commented that he couldn't wait to see how good Khamzaev would be at 30.
That said, it isn't just Allen or Rogan hyping up the rising star. Khamzat Chimaev also gave high praise to the 6-0 fighter. He even went a step further than Allen and predicted the 20-year-old to grab a title at some point in his career.
Chimaev made this prediction in a video posted byAdam Zubayraev of a training session in his camp. After taking a short break, Chimaev watched the young 'Borz' spar and co-signed him as a future champion.
Future champion. If he keeps working like this, Borz coming up. After this fight, Inshallah a new UFC star.
Khamzat Chimaev via Adam ZaubayraevIt is clear that Khamzat Chimaev firmly believes in the potential shown by the young man who shares his nickname. A championship co-sign from the man who was UFC champion till last weekend is definitely a glowing stamp of approval for any up-and-coming fighter. Nonetheless, he will definitely be a good training partner for Chimaev as he prepares for his upcoming RAF debut.
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