Chimaev Drops Bombshell: Ready to Fight Makhachev at Welterweight to Claim #1 P4P!

Khamzat Chimaev’s quest to become the UFC pound-for-pound king just took a strategic and explosive turn. While the undefeated Chechen-born phenom gears up for a middleweight title clash with Dricus du Plessis, his sights are already locked on a far bigger prize — a potential superfight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. According to Chimaev himself, no path to the top is faster or more definitive than beating the man many consider the most complete fighter in the UFC today.

And true to his relentless style inside the Octagon, Chimaev isn’t playing it safe. He’s plotting moves across divisions, chasing greatness not by convenience, but by the most dangerous route possible.

Pound-for-Pound Prestige: Why Chimaev vs. Makhachev Matters

The current pound-for-pound debate has Ilia Topuria in the mix after knocking out Charles Oliveira and seizing lightweight gold. But Topuria’s meteoric rise is now threatened by a much larger shadow — Chimaev’s vision for total dominance.

Chimaev has made his name by decimating competition in multiple weight classes, winning fights in both welterweight and middleweight divisions. His wrestling-heavy, smashmouth approach made quick work of veterans like Gerald Meerschaert and Li Jingliang, and his all-out brawl with Gilbert Burns showed he could endure punishment and still walk out victorious.

Still, critics argue that Chimaev needs a signature win over an elite champion to earn his spot atop the rankings. That’s where Islam Makhachev enters the equation.

“It’s the fastest way [fighting Makhachev] to get the pound-for-pound number one,” Chimaev admitted.

Makhachev, the reigning lightweight king and protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has dominated with methodical precision. His wins over Oliveira, Volkanovski, and other contenders have solidified his legacy. Beating him — especially for a fighter not currently in the same division — would be the ultimate statement.

Weight Dilemma: Can Chimaev Make 170 Again?

There’s a logistical elephant in the room: Chimaev’s weight. He hasn’t competed at welterweight since his controversial UFC 279 weigh-in fiasco in 2022, where he missed weight by a wide margin. That failure forced a last-minute reshuffling of the card and raised doubts about his long-term future in the division.

Since then, he’s bulked up and prepared primarily for 185-pound matchups, including the looming title bout with du Plessis. UFC insiders and fans alike question whether a return to 170 pounds is realistic — or even safe.

But if the reward is a clash with Makhachev, Chimaev appears willing to endure the cut.

“We will see who will be the champion there [170 pounds]. I don’t know,” he said. “If they give me money, I will fight anybody.”

In short, Chimaev doesn’t care about titles, divisions, or rankings. He cares about legacy and legacy-defining moments, and beating Makhachev would cement his name in UFC history.

Business Over Belts: Chimaev’s Vision Beyond Gold

For Chimaev, chasing belts is secondary to chasing money, opportunity, and respect. His outlook mirrors that of modern superstars like Conor McGregor — fighters who transcend divisions to create blockbuster moments that capture global attention.

“Doesn’t matter. I will be ready… I am doing my business, so doesn’t matter. If they give me money, I will fight anybody.”

His desire to fight in Abu Dhabi, a key market for the UFC and one that holds personal significance for Chimaev as a Muslim fighter, only adds to the intrigue. The Middle East stage would be perfect for a cross-division, pound-for-pound superfight that could redefine the sport’s landscape.

Whether it’s against du Plessis, Makhachev, or anyone else, Chimaev is not afraid of taking the hard route to immortality. His mind is set on making history, not just collecting belts.

Stylistic Fireworks: Chimaev vs. Makhachev Breakdown

If the fight does materialize, it has the makings of a grappling masterclass. Both Chimaev and Makhachev possess elite-level wrestling — Dagestani Sambo vs. Chechen wrestling. Both have evolved striking games and a reputation for imposing their will.

Makhachev’s methodical pace would be tested by Chimaev’s explosive pressure and chaos, making it a fascinating clash of tempos and techniques. For fans of elite MMA strategy, it’s a dream matchup. For Chimaev, it’s the fight that could solidify him as the baddest man on the planet, pound-for-pound.

Final Word: The Kingmaker Fight?

Khamzat Chimaev knows that legacies aren’t built on easy fights. They’re built on risk, sacrifice, and the willingness to confront greatness head-on. A win over Dricus du Plessis may make him a champion — but a win over Islam Makhachev would make him a legend.

And in Chimaev’s world, that’s the only currency that matters.