Brazilian coach of Khamzat Chimaev rules out fight between his pupil and Islam Makhachev.

Chimaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Undefeated and with victories against big names in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Khamzat Shimaev He has several options for his return to the most famous octagon in the world. However, it can be said that Islam makhachev He's not part of that group, at least that's what Alan Finfou, Borz's jiu-jitsu coach, believes. Even though he reigns in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), Lobo's former weight class, their paths shouldn't cross.

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According to the black belt, even though there is no friendship or even a training partnership, the Dagestan Clan's leadership over other athletes from the Caucasus over the years is a natural impediment to turning the hypothetical fight into reality.

“They respect each other, they know each other, but they don’t train together. It also involves religion, which is very important in their culture. I don’t think that would really happen. It would be easier for Khamzat to move up in weight than to go to the lower category,” the coach said in an interview with MMA Hoje last Monday (16).

Khamzat Shimaev's coach says respect and culture make a fight with Islam makhachev complicated

"They respect each other, they know each other, but they don't train together. It also involves religion, which is very important in their culture. I don't think it would actually… pic.twitter.com/A7zOWR4XKY

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 17, 2026

Since becoming champion in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) by dominating Dricus Du PlessisThe Chechen fighter has yet to defend his title in the division. Makhachev is in a similar situation, having won... Jack Della Maddalena Without many problems, but still doesn't have a defined next opponent.

Khamzat Chimaev has already challenged Poatan

Poatan at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Recently, Chimaev surprised everyone by launching a public challenge not only to Alex Poatán, but also for Glover TeixeiraAt the time, the Brazilian responded positively to the challenge in a good-humored way. The Chechen has also spoken about his interest in winning titles in three different weight classes. It's worth noting that his career in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg) was abruptly ended after he failed to make weight in September 2022.