M. Chiesa denies fighting K. Chimaev. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Khamzat Shimaev He emerged in the UFC like a hurricane and his growth has bothered both the top welterweights (77,6kg) and middleweights (83,9kg). No wonder, Stephen Thompson, Leon edwards, Colby covington e Israel adesanya refused to face the Swedish promise and, this time, Michael chiesa joined the group.
At the press conference for UFC Fight Island 5, an event to be held this Saturday (10), in Abu Dhabi, the North American, eighth in the welterweight rankings, justified his denials by thinking that Chimaev needs to win, at least, a well-known athlete and disagreed when the fighter himself and fans said that others were afraid of him.
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“I understand why fighters refuse to face Chimaev. It's not that they're scared. In the top-15, no one fears anyone. I think like this: Chimaev has to beat someone known, a veteran. If he beats Thompson, he will prove he is real. If Chimaev beats me, he takes my place. If I win, I don't move up in the rankings and it was my obligation, you know? It's a risk and I wouldn't gain anything. Currently, my focus is on being a champion and I have to make smart decisions. Chimaev is for real! I respect his abilities, but today, I don't want to face him. If he beats someone ranked, that’s different,” said Chiesa.
The last performance of Michael chiesa happened in January 2020, when he achieved the biggest victory of his career by surprising Rafael dos Anjos in the unanimous decision of the judges. Currently recovering from injury, the fighter is also seen commentating on UFC events.
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