Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most exciting contenders of the UFC since he debuted in the Octagon.
'Borz' is unbeaten by eight fights in the promotion that led him to UFC 319, where Chimaev Drica Du Plessis will challenge for the middleweight title.
Another undefeated star that hit the ground at the highest level fought in the same promotion as Chimaev before he was signed at the UFC.
The run of Ilia Topuria has recognized him as one of the best pound-for-pound talents in the world after his success in featherweight.
Before Topuria is confronted with Charles Oliveira for the empty lightweight title on UFC 317, Chimaev shared what he initially thought of 'El Matador' when their paths crossed many years ago.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Khamzat Chimaev says he could see the potential in Ilia Topuria when they first met many years ago
In a video posted by Adam Zubayraev on YouTube, Khamzat Chimaev was asked what he thought of Ilia Topuria when he first met him before 'El Matador' would be one of the biggest stars in MMA today.
Both Chimaev and Topuria previously fought for Brave Combat Federation before they went to the UFC.
The featherweight produced back-to-back first round finish in the promotion before he made his Octagon debut in October 2020.
Chimaev also finished all his victories in brave CF and won four-in-one-row before he immediately became one of the most discussed hunters in the world outside the back of his first UFC outing in July 2020.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
In addition to fighting for the same promotion, the two undefeated stars also met at the mats of the Allstars training center of Sweden, which became a hub for European talent with fighters such as Alexander Gustafsson.
Chimaev stated that he could see the potential in Topuria from an early stage in his career because of his work ethics.
“Of course, even then he was a top hunter in Brave, just like me. We both fought in good. It was clear that he was a hard worker who wants to achieve something and he has achieved everything you can do in this sport.”
Khamzat Chimaev disputes the criticism of fans on Ilia Topuria
Khamzat Chimaev continued with the fact that he gave part of the criticism that Ilia Topuria received during his UFC career.
From the moment he first entered the Octagon, 'El Matador' was incredibly confident about what he was going to achieve.
Topuria may have been labeled as arrogant in the past, but Chimaev does not support these claims.
He believes that selling fights is simply part of the sport and that the former featherweight champion is not the case if you spend some time around him.
“If fighters were quiet, there would be no interest [in MMA]. In normal life I met him, spent some time, eaten together. He is a decent, solid man. “