Khamzat Chimaev says he has his eye on Kamaru Usman and believes the champion is 'afraid' to face him

K. Chimaev is undefeated in professional MMA (Photo: Instagram/Chimaev)

eyeing the UFC 278, Khamzat Shimaev doubts about the possibility of facing Kamaru Usman, if the Nigerian goes through Leon edwards in the rematch for the welterweight belt (up to 77kg.). The Swede, who is preparing to measure forces against Nate diaz, he believes that the champion is afraid to face him and, therefore, he already raises the possibility of following another path in the organization.

"We will see. If Kamaru (Usman) wins his fight (against Leon edwards, UFC 278), I think it will take him a long time to come back and maybe he will even retire. I think the guy is scared of me. I hope he can win so I can fight him, but if he stays away for too long and Jorge (Masvidal) starts talking too much, I might have to 'crush' him too”, says Chimaev, in an interview with 'The Mac Life'.

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Khamzat also spoke about the technical fit between Usman and Edwards for the second meeting. O 'Borz', as it is known, highlights the evolution of the two athletes and reveals that he is interested in the result of the confrontation.

“Ever since they faced each other for the first time, they have both been completely different. Kamaru evolved in boxing, while Edwards managed to become a much better fighter. It's a very interesting duel for me. I’m going to watch the fight”, concluded the fighter.

Kamaru Usman e Leon edwards They are two of the main names in the under-77kg category. and will do the main fight of the UFC 277 next Saturday (20). In the first clash, the Nigerian was superior and won by unanimous decision from the judges, in 2015.