5 potential fights that could lead to a UFC title shot for Khamzat Chimaev

#4. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns

Aside from Kamaru Usman, Gilbert Burns might be the most credible welterweight in the UFC

Another great option for Khamzat Chimaev would be former title challenger Gilbert Burns.

While he doesn’t hold the name value of some of the UFC’s other top welterweights, it’s arguable that Gilbert Burns is the second-best 170lber on the planet right now behind only UFC champion Kamaru Usman.

Sure, he sits behind Colby Covington in the UFC’s official rankings, but there’s definitely an argument to suggest that Burns’ wins over Stephen Thompson, Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley should be enough to hold him in higher regard.

With that considered, then, if Khamzat Chimaev could defeat ‘Durinho’, it’d send a real message to Usman that ‘Borz’ is the man to truly be feared in the division at this point.

Make no mistake, Burns would perhaps be the toughest opponent in the entire division, other than Usman, for Chimaev. Not only does the Brazilian hit like a truck, but he’s also a powerful grappler with a low centre of gravity. He holds a high-level black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu too.

However, Chimaev has still not eaten a significant strike in his UFC career and whether Burns could take him down would be a major question mark.

Given that ‘Durinho’ is now 35 years old, there’s also the chance that Khamzat Chimaev could catch him on the downswing of his career and use him as a springboard to elevate himself up the rankings.

This wouldn’t be the sexiest bout for Khamzat Chimaev to take, but it might be the smartest when it comes to a path to the UFC welterweight title.

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#3. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Vicente Luque

Vicente Luque might be under the radar, but he's a uniquely dangerous fighter in the welterweight division

While Khamzat Chimaev’s explosive style, dangerous reputation and loud mouth have put him in position as the UFC’s fastest-rising welterweight, it’s arguable that Vicente Luque is still closer to a title shot right now.

‘The Silent Assassin’ lives up to his nickname in that he won’t be trash-talking any time soon, but his finishing skills are absolutely second-to-none in the entire UFC.

Luque has lost just one fight in his last 11 octagon appearances, dropping a decision to Stephen Thompson in late 2019. Since then, he’s reeled off four straight wins, stopping Niko Price, Randy Brown, Tyron Woodley and Michael Chiesa.

More importantly, the Brazilian is deadly, both standing and on the ground, and seems to be able to find finishes from any position, usually latching onto chokes, with the D’Arce being one of his most favoured submissions.

Whether the less-athletic Luque would be able to handle the explosive fury that Khamzat Chimaev can bring is another thing entirely, though. It’s probably safe to say that ‘The Silent Assassin’ has not faced a wrestler on the level of ‘Borz’ during his UFC run.

Would a win over Luque give Khamzat Chimaev an instant title shot? It’s debatable, but knocking off arguably the most dangerous fighter in the division would certainly send the right message.