Khamzat Chimaev appears to be shifting his focus towards a new challenge for his UFC return during International Fight Week.
Reports last week suggested that Dricus Du Plessis might be unable to compete in their planned middleweight title fight, which was loosely scheduled for the main event of UFC 317. This news reportedly frustrated Chimaev, who now seems to be considering a fight with number six-ranked Caio Borralho, an undefeated fighter in the UFC.
Chimaev and Borralho have trained together in the past, with Borralho describing Chimaev as his toughest sparring partner. After reports emerged that Du Plessis might be unavailable, Borralho immediately called out Chimaev for a fight.
Social Media Exchange Between Khamzat Chimaev and Caio Borralho
When rumors of a Dricus Du Plessis injury began circulating online, it was noted that very few middleweights were eager to step in and fight Khamzat Chimaev. Considered one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC, Caio Borralho stood out as seemingly the only one interested in accepting the challenge.
“I know a guy @ufc,” Borralho posted on X. “You know who to call.” He later tweeted, “Khamzat said yes! The only logical step is an Interim belt! This fight will be bigger than him vs Dricus! Mark my words.”
Since then, Chimaev and Borralho have engaged in a back-and-forth online exchange in Instagram comments. Chimaev initially shared a photo from their past sparring sessions, appearing to show him taking down Borralho. He followed this up by taunting his rival, insisting he would defeat him regardless of how many times they fought.
“If we fight a hundred times, you will never win,” Chimaev wrote in response to one of Borralho’s posts. Borralho, known as ‘The Fighting Nerds’ star, replied, “If you say so, sign the contract and we will see!”
Dricus Du Plessis Fight in Doubt for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 317
While not officially announced, it was widely anticipated that Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev would headline International Fight Week in a middleweight title clash. A fight between them has been anticipated for some time, with UFC 317 in Las Vegas expected to be the event.
However, veteran combat sports reporter Kevin Iole mentioned on his website that the fight might be in jeopardy due to an injury. “I’m hearing Dricus Du Plessis is injured,” Iole wrote.
“And though there has been no confirmation, if that’s accurate, a bout between Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev couldn’t headline IFW.” In apparent response, Chimaev posted on X: “This guy biggest bulls—,” along with an emoji expressing facepalm.
Rupert Hartwell