Chimaev says that duel against Durinho depends solely on the Brazilian's manager

K. Chimaev (left) could face G. Durinho (right) in January. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Os rumors surrounding the possible duel between Gilbert Durinho and Khamzat Chimaev continue to grow. Despite continuing to challenge practically all welterweights (up to 77 kg) active on social media, “Lobo” himself confirmed that a fight against the Brazilian is an increasingly real possibility.

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During a recent appearance on the Russian podcast “MMA Hustle”, Chimaev stated that he would love to face Durinho and that all that remains is the approval of the Brazilian's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, for the fight to be confirmed.

“I don't really know, but I would love to fight him (Durinho), we'll see. If his manager Ali (Abdelaziz) accepts. I don't think the fighter would refuse, but the manager decides. Ali understands who I am and who he is. It seems like he is trying to show that the fight is not to his advantage. I'm number 10 and he's number three or two. Whether it’s advantageous or not, I’ll catch up to him and everyone else anyway,” said the Russian-born Swedish citizen.

After four overwhelming victories in the UFC, Khamzat Shimaev is in eleventh place in the ranking and is seen by many as a name with real possibilities of dethroning Kamaru Usman at welterweight. Gilbert Durinho, in turn, occupies second place and has already competed for the division title. Despite the great distance in the ranking and the Brazilian's greater experience, the “Wolf” believes that he would have no difficulty in emerging victorious.

"Yes definitely. He's small, not big. I'm going to dominate him in boxing, there's no way he can take me down. A jiu-jitsu fighter? No way. I don't think he puts me down. When was the last time he achieved this? In the fight it's different. Jiu-jitsu is on the ground, you have to be able to take the fight there”, analyzed Chimaev.

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