Khamzat Chimaev, the current middleweight champion, has publicly stated his ambition to face former UFC double champion Conor McGregor in a boxing match at some point in the future.
Chimaev is set to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland next weekend at UFC 328. Following this anticipated bout, Chimaev intends to move up to the light heavyweight division with the goal of achieving championship status in a second weight class.
Khamzat Chimaev Praises Conor McGregor and Proposes a Boxing Showdown
In a recent interview with KYNO TV, Chimaev, also known as “Borz,” shared his enthusiasm for the possibility of a boxing encounter with McGregor under the Zuffa Boxing promotion. The 31-year-old fighter acknowledged McGregor as one of the most skilled boxers within the UFC and expressed his willingness to compete against the Dubliner if Zuffa Boxing gives its approval.
“I’d like to just box. A 12-round fight. If Conor is willing to accept that, it would be great. He’s a better talker than Sean Strickland, so it would be entertaining.”
Chimaev, who considers himself a fan of McGregor, hopes to see “The Notorious” make a return to the Octagon in 2026. During the same interview, Chimaev also revealed that McGregor’s 13-second knockout victory over Jose Aldo in 2015 served as a significant motivator for him to pursue a career in professional fighting.
“When I saw him fight Jose Aldo and realized how much money he made, that’s when I got motivated and decided to start MMA.”
There have been past instances where McGregor expressed interest in training alongside Chimaev.
While UFC President Dana White generally discourages UFC fighters from competing under the Zuffa Boxing banner, exceptions are often made for major draws like Conor McGregor and prominent champions such as “Borz.”
McGregor, who has been inactive since 2021, is reportedly being considered for a return on the International Fight Week card in July, potentially facing Max Holloway in a rematch. The official announcement for his comeback is still pending.
English Translation:
Khamzat Chimaev Eyes 12-Round Boxing Clash With Conor McGregor
Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning middleweight champion, has expressed his desire to engage in a boxing match with former two-division titleholder Conor McGregor at some point in the future.
Chimaev is scheduled to make the first defense of his middleweight belt against Sean Strickland next weekend at UFC 328. After this upcoming fight, Chimaev plans to move up to the light heavyweight division in pursuit of championship success across two weight classes.
Khamzat Chimaev Praises Conor McGregor While Pitching a Bold Idea
In a recent interview with KYNO TV, “Borz” confessed that he would relish a boxing match against Conor McGregor under the Zuffa Boxing banner. The 31-year-old opined that the Irishman is one of the most skilled boxers in the UFC, and if Zuffa Boxing sanctions the event, he would be eager to box the Dublin native.
“I’d like to just box. A 12-round fight. If Conor is willing to accept that, it would be great. He’s a better talker than Sean Strickland, so it would be entertaining.”
Khamzat Chimaev, a fan of Conor McGregor, hopes to see “The Notorious” return to the Octagon in 2026. During the same interview, “Borz” also revealed that witnessing McGregor’s 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo in 2015 served as a significant inspiration for him to pursue a career in fighting.
“When I saw him fight Jose Aldo and realized how much money he made, that’s when I got motivated and decided to start MMA.”
In the past, McGregor has also indicated interest in training with Chimaev.
Although Dana White is not particularly enthusiastic about UFC fighters competing under the Zuffa Boxing banner, exceptions can always be made for the promotion’s biggest star, Conor McGregor, and middleweight titleholder “Borz.”
McGregor, who has been out of action since 2021, is rumored to be making his highly anticipated return in July on the International Fight Week card, potentially facing Max Holloway in a rematch. The official announcement for his comeback is still pending.
