Khamzat Chimaev is eagerly awaiting confirmation regarding his next scheduled upcoming match. With the UFC preparing to hold their UFC 294 pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi, Chimaev would seem an excellent choice for inclusion on the fight card. After all, he first showcased his considerable fighting talents at a couple of “Fight Island” events in 2020, where the UFC was forced to relocate operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attaining star status almost overnight, the popular fighter is presently training in Abu Dhabi and anticipating receiving the news that he will fight on October 21st’s pay-per-view event. Chimaev is keen to square up against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and believes this could provide the ideal opportunity to prove he is deserving of a title shot.

On his YouTube channel, Chimaev announced that the UFC had informed him of a coming match in Abu Dhabi. “UFC told us we have a fight in Abu Dhabi, so that’s what I’m waiting for,” he confirmed. “I’m already here in Dubai, training and camp, everything is going well, and I’ve been in shape for a long time. I’ve trained in Thailand and Sweden, so now I’m waiting for the opponent and the contract, so let’s see what happens.” Speaking of Usman, Chimaev declared he was keen to fight the former champion.

“Usman wants to fight,” he said. “I’ll make his last fight. He wants money; he knows where the money is. Everyone knows the money. Now I’m going to fight this guy in Abu Dhabi and smash his face, finish him, then they have to give me that title shot.”

While Usman has previously lost back-to-back welterweight title fights to Leon Edwards, he has kept quiet about his potential plans, and there is no hint of a scheduled meeting with Chimaev at present. Chimaev, on the other hand, is keen to climb back into the octagon and continue his winning streak.

As Chimaev considers himself a premium draw for the UFC, he does not foresee any shortage of potential challengers when the UFC comes calling. “I’m the biggest name without the belt,” says Chimaev, “so when you fight with me, it’s more money, more fans. When I fight, everyone is waiting for my fights.