Most of the fans might remember that Chimaev announced retirement due to his health issues. Chimaev seems to be in his former self now as Chimaev is calling out the top contenders of the division.
Chimaev was known as the breakout star for the year 2020, because he just showed great potential to be the next big star. He fought a week after his UFC debut and just showed flawless victories. His first real test was against a veteran, Gerald Meerschaert, and he knocked him out with just one punch.
UFC President Dana White has called Chimaev a special athlete as well. He also said that the reason for Chimaev’s recovery issue was because of his non stop training mentality. Chimaev would just not let his body rest but rather choose to train. Now, Dana White is optimistic for Chimaev since they got him the best doctor available to check on Chimaev.
Originally, Chimaev was supposed to fight a highly ranked welterweight, Leon Edwards but pulled out due to his health issues. He then announced retirement but then removed the post, most would think that he was just emotional due to not being able to fight soon.
Now, he just posted on his Instagram account and is calling out number 9 ranked, Neil Magny. It certainly makes a lot of sense to book this fight compared to fighting Leon Edwards who was number 3 ranked. The gap of being an unranked welterweight to fighting the number 3 is just too big.
For those who do not know, Neil Magny has been calling out Chimaev even before but due to the UFC gave him Leon Edwards instead. Magny believes that he matches up well against Chimaev but the UFC won’t allow them to fight. Now that the Edwards fight is cancelled, it would make sense for the UFC to book Chimaev-Magny.
Fans are excited as Chimaev has a huge fanbase which is impressive considering he only has 3 UFC fights on his record. Magny also has a chance to derail the hype train if he somehow beats Chimaev. It is also worth noting that even though Magny is coming off a loss against Chiesa, he would still give Chimaev his toughest test yet.
