What's Happening?
Anatoly Malykhin, a two-division ONE champion, has expressed his views on a potential fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Islam Makhachev. Malykhin believes that such a fight would attract significant interest and could determine the best fighter of the current era. However, he notes several obstacles that need to be overcome for the fight to happen. Malykhin highlights that Chimaev might struggle to make the 77 kg weight class and emphasizes that both fighters need to win their upcoming matches for the fight to materialize. Chimaev is set to fight Dricus Du Plessis on August 17, while Makhachev will face Jack Della Maddalena on November 16.
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Why It's Important?
The potential matchup between Chimaev and Makhachev is significant for the MMA community, as it involves two elite fighters who are considered among the best in the sport. A fight between them could have major implications for their careers and the UFC rankings. If the fight occurs, it could draw substantial attention from fans and media, potentially leading to increased viewership and revenue for the UFC. The outcome of their respective upcoming fights will be crucial in determining whether this highly anticipated matchup can take place.
What's Next?
For the fight between Chimaev and Makhachev to happen, several conditions must be met. Chimaev needs to successfully make the weight for his fight against Du Plessis and win, while Makhachev must defeat Della Maddalena. If these conditions are met, negotiations for the fight could begin, potentially leading to one of the most talked-about events in MMA. Stakeholders, including UFC officials and fans, will be closely monitoring the outcomes of these fights to see if the matchup can be arranged.
Beyond the Headlines
The potential fight between Chimaev and Makhachev also raises questions about weight class challenges and the physical demands on fighters. Chimaev's struggle to make weight highlights the broader issue of weight management in combat sports, which can impact fighter health and performance. Additionally, the fight could influence the UFC's matchmaking strategies, as it demonstrates the demand for high-profile matchups that capture fan interest.
