At the top of the welterweight division, Durinho reveals why he accepted the challenge of taking a 'step back' and facing Chimaev

G. Durinho (photo) is the current number two in the welterweight rankings. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Current number two in the Ultimate welterweight rankings (up to 77kg.), Gilbert Durinho Are you confident in your decision to have chosen Khamzat Shimaev as the next opponent in the organization. In an interview with 'TSN', the Brazilian justified the option of facing a rival, who is considered a gamble, but doesn't even feature in the top 5 of the division. The confrontation takes place in UFC 273, this Saturday (9).

See too

Durinho analyzes the duel, preaches respect for Chimaev and reveals a strategy to win at UFC 273

Chimaev's trainer shows confidence in bold tactic to beat Durinho at UFC 273

Adesanya praises Durinho and reveals his support for the Brazilian against Chimaev at UFC 273

Cormier exposes Chimaev's advantage against Durinho, but makes important considerations about the fight at UFC 273

Borrachinha admits surveys outside the UFC and does not rule out 'giving time' to new challenges in company

“He (Chimaev) needs a big test and I need a big opponent. None of us had a fight scheduled. I asked for this confrontation and I got it. Now, let's fight. (…) When he faced li jingliang, it was October 30th and I sent a message to Ali (Abdelaziz, Durinho's manager) and said: 'they are going to offer me Khamzat, I have this feeling, and you can say I accept it. I want to face him.' “I had already accepted before they even offered it. Being in the UFC for eight years, facing everyone, I could see the scenario, I knew they were going to offer it, and I was ready,” said Gilbert.

Former challenger for the welterweight belt, the Brazilian is cautious when dealing with what could happen if he overcomes Chimaev this weekend. The athlete, however, does not rule out that a positive result could give him the opportunity to challenge the champion again.

“It all depends on performance. If one of us achieves a spectacular outcome, I believe we deserve a fight for the title”, he concluded.

Highlight of the under-77kg division, Durinho is looking for his second consecutive victory, since being defeated by Kamaru Usman, in the group's belt dispute, at the beginning of 2021. After the stumble against the champion, the Brazilian recorded a victory against Stephen Thompson.

Considered Ultimate's big bet for the organization's future, Chimaev is enjoying a great moment in the company. In four engagements, the Swede massacred all his rivals almost without being touched. The fighter, today, is undefeated in his career in MMA, with 10 consecutive victories.