Khamzat Chimaev Eyes Boxing Match with Conor McGregor Amid UFC Title Defense

Khamzat Chimaev, the dominant UFC middleweight champion, is gearing up for a major title fight next week but has also expressed a surprising interest in stepping into the boxing ring against Conor McGregor. The 32-year-old fighter shared his enthusiasm for a potential 12-round boxing match with McGregor, a former UFC star who famously boxed Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

This revelation adds a new layer of excitement to Chimaev's already intense fight preparations, highlighting his versatility and ambition. While he remains focused on his upcoming UFC bout against Sean Strickland, the prospect of a crossover fight with McGregor could shake up both the MMA and boxing worlds.

Chimaev’s Boxing Ambition: A New Challenge

During a recent workout and media session in Southern California, Chimaev openly discussed his interest in boxing Conor McGregor under the Zuffa banner. He described the idea as a 12-round boxing match, emphasizing that while he admires McGregor as one of the best UFC boxers, he has no plans to permanently switch sports.

"I'm not going to move over to the boxing [permanently], but it would be nice to box Conor,"—Khamzat Chimaev

Upcoming UFC Showdown: Chimaev vs. Strickland

Before any boxing detour, Chimaev is set to defend his UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in Newark. The rivalry between the two fighters has escalated, with Chimaev hinting at a fierce confrontation in the octagon.

"Things have gotten intense between us," Chimaev said when asked about the beef with Strickland, signaling a high-stakes battle ahead.—Khamzat Chimaev

Training and Future Prospects

Chimaev is training alongside light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree, who believes Chimaev could successfully move up to the 205-pound division. Rountree warns that if Chimaev makes this jump, it could spell trouble for the light heavyweight ranks.

• Chimaev started UFC career at welterweight (170 lbs)
• Currently dominates middleweight division (185 lbs)
• Potential to move up to light heavyweight (205 lbs)
• Training with Khalil Rountree to prepare for future challenges

Trash Talk and Predictions

Brendan Allen, who has previously faced Sean Strickland, weighed in on the heated trash talk surrounding the upcoming fight. Allen dismissed Strickland's provocations as mere talk, suggesting that the real test will come inside the octagon.

"Sean Strickland’s trash talk is all talk,"—Brendan Allen

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Chimaev?

With UFC 328 just days away, all eyes will be on Chimaev as he defends his title and potentially sets the stage for a blockbuster boxing match with McGregor. Whether he remains the undisputed king of the middleweight division or ventures into new combat sports territory, Chimaev’s career trajectory promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.